In addition to heavy metals, the research project included testing for BPA, a known endocrine disruptor. Results showed 55 percent of powders tested had measurable levels of BPA. Animals in factory farms are exposed to heavy metals via animal feed grown with pesticides and fertilizers and water … Increased synthesis of MT proteins, upregulation of heat shock proteins (Hsp), increase in cytoplasmic concentration of Ca 2+, impaired endocytosis, enhancement of ion conductances, and structural and functional damage in mitochondria have been described in the nephrotoxicity induced by heavy metals such as Cd, Hg, and Cr. Heavy metals, even at low levels, are known to cause organ damage, and some are classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer as known or probable carcinogens. Excess cadmium can accumulate and gather in the kidneys, and excess protein can also damage the kidneys. Also, the aggregates contained a wide variety of proteins enriched in functions related to metabolism, protein folding, protein synthesis and stabilization [ 79 ]. The powders had, on average, twice the amount of lead per serving of other products. The study data was analyzed by Clean Label Project’s Technical Advisory Board of statisticians, epidemiologists, food safety scientists and registered dietitians before being published. Where's the Health Benefit? Good sources of protein include half a chicken breast (27 grams), three scrambled eggs (20 grams), or three 8-ounce glasses of milk (23 grams). Some products surpass the maximum limit proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). $34.99. The 2018 study by the Denver-based Clean Label Project used the independent analytical chemistry laboratory Ellipse Analytics to test the animal- and plant-based protein powders. Overall, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a prime formula that can help you get your body and health back on track. So, ours is a study of skin and bones! Protein drinks are considered dietary supplements, so the makers are not required to test the products before sale to ensure they are safe and effective, according to the report. Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD, spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association. See Our List of the Best Protein Powder Products What products are Kosher certified? Also, organic protein powders had more heavy metals compared to non-organic products tested. Heavy metal-associated proteins (HMPs) participate in heavy metal detoxification. Our manufacturing facility is the only facility in the world (besides Chevron) that possesses an Agilent ICPMS detection technology. I … ** *We recommend discussing your health goals with your licensed healthcare professional. The specific products tested in the Clean Label study are ranked the top sellers, according to statistics from Nielsen and the Amazon.com best-seller list. For the study, Consumer Reports had an independent laboratory test 15 protein drinks, including ready-to-drink formulas and powders meant to be mixed with milk, juice, or water. Michelle L. Zendah, spokeswoman, Abbott Nutrition. "Don't rely on these [protein drinks] heavily to be your primary protein source in your diet. Symptoms and effects can vary according to the metal or metal compound, and the dose involved. Where's the Beef? Study results on the nonprofit’s website are presented in a five-star rating system that names each product tested and shows how contaminated it is compared to other products in the same study. Does Vital Proteins accept customer returns? Clean Label Project has seen elevated levels of heavy metals including Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury as well as BPA leaching from packaging into the finished product. Much of the contaminant concerns is due to the source of plant proteins from regions where the soil contamination is high and where the water used in processing may also be contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead. The substances tested in the report ''are naturally occurring in the environment," according to a statement issued by Greg Pickett, founder of CytoSport, which makes Muscle Milk. But three products cause concern, Rock says, because people who have three servings a day could be exposed to higher levels of three substances -- arsenic, cadmium and lead. Health Benefits ---- Original Collagen Peptides with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C is Vital Proteins exclusive product. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here. Muscle Milk If you can buy it in a can at a 7/11 or Rite Aid, you should probably be suspicious. Paleo Friendly & Whole30 Approved. Consumers can continue to use Myoplex shakes with confidence.". I heard about Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides from a friend in California. High-Protein Diets -- Do They Really Work? While not all exposure to heavy metals presents a risk of harm, there are certain heavy metals that can be You can look at the infographic of our study here and read the full white paper of our study here. Vital Proteins is a bit pricier of the two brands, but its beef are also pasture-raised and they provide a lot more information about the quality of their gelatin. Supports healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, ligaments, and tendons**. Metals are a natural part of the world and found in the earth’s crust. Other makers use vague language, the researchers say, which could promote high consumption levels. Among vulnerable people are children under age 18, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or chronic kidney conditions, she says. GoopGenes Marine Collagen Superpowder is another… Turning to food rather than protein drinks is easier on your health and your wallet, according to Consumer Reports. Look to dairy, meats, and beans and some whole grains to provide protein.". The bovine collagen content of the Dr. Axe Multi Collagen Protein is also derived from cow hides 17. Protein supplements can be a very tricky, even treacherous, sector of the increasing fraudulent supplement industry. The industry took exception to the report for a number of reasons. With the various products, you can enjoy from numerous health benefits. Michelle L. Zendah, a spokeswoman for Abbott Nutrition, which makes Myoplex protein shakes, issued this statement: "There is no safety risk from the trace levels of cadmium and arsenic in our Myoplex protein shakes. Overall, if you are looking for a brand that provides you with an array of collagen peptide and protein products, then Vital Proteins is a great option. Certifications ---- Non-GMO. It is recommended that you combine 1-2 scoops in 8 oz. Calcium and several other metals in protein powders are beneficial, but some supplements also contain trace amounts of heavy metals that can harm your health. Plant-based proteins may have higher contamination levels because the plants are especially prone to absorbing heavy metals from soil, says Sean Callan, Ph.D., a … A large proportion of all proteins are part of this category. Makers of protein drinks disagreed and said there were flaws in the investigation. GoopGenes Marine Collagen Superpowder is designed to mix with water. Testing for contaminants -- including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury -- found most products to be in the low to moderate range. The gelatin is only considered fit for sale if no heavy metals are detected. Heavy metal exposure is a serious environmental stress in plants. So a 120-pound person in general would need about 48 grams and a 180-pound person would need 72 grams. We utilize independent, certified third party labs to conduct these tests. All rights reserved. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. ), Food recalls continue to rise in Switzerland, Certain Dungeness crabs recalled because of poisoning risk, Dog deaths prompt pet food recall for Aflatoxin poisoning, Listeria risk prompts company to recall spiced herring, A decade later, FDA still working on congressional mandate known as FSMA. According to Medical News Today, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Each contained on average twice the amount of lead per serving as other products. In the statement, Pickett notes that the two Muscle Milk products that Consumer Reports says have high levels of contaminants were both analyzed by NSF International, an independent organization that sets product standards, and found to pass. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Review Summary. According to some experts, over the past 100 years or so, the way our food has been processed means it no longer contains many of the nutritional elements we need, including the ones that we need to create collagen. Do you perform testing on your products? Certifications ---- Non-GMO. The director of operations and quality at the testing laboratory Ellipse Analytics said there could be several explanations as to why the powders have excessive levels of heavy metals. Vital Proteins Review Summary. Top-Selling Collagen Peptide Products Test Positive for Heavy Metals. She is one of those people that always is researching the best products, and I knew it had to be great! Heavy metals "can bind to vital cellular components, such as structural proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids, and interfere with their functioning". Athletes generally are advised to eat a gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. Gluten, cholesterol, heavy metals, and dairy free. Reputation: Vital Proteins tests each lot of their products for heavy metals and microbiological contaminants. It is estimated that approximately half of all proteins contain a metal. My 60+ Days on Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. ''Consuming these kinds of protein drinks on a regular basis can in some cases create the risk of chronic exposure, even at low levels, to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead that can pose health problems, particularly to vulnerable people," says Andrea Rock, the Consumer Reports editor for the investigation. 4 watching. Three servings of the products tested provide from 27 to180 grams of protein. In addition to finding that the products certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are twice as likely to contain high levels of heavy metals as non-organic protein powders, the study found other surprising statistics about plant-based protein powders. I also found out that Vital Proteins was a really great quality collagen to use! When we researched source materials, we found that the popular beef collagen powders we looked at (Great Lakes Collagen and Vital Proteins) are made from grass-fed cow hides, not bones 16. Our brown rice protein and potato proteins are manufactured in the USA and The Netherlands. “Plant-based protein powders have higher levels of heavy metals than non-plant-based protein powders,” said Sean Callan, the Ellipse Analytics scientist. However, plants have evolved several strategies to improve their heavy metal tolerance. We test every lot of each product for heavy metals and microbiological components. Results showed 55 percent of powders tested had measurable levels of BPA. Let’s break down the … The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and Clean Label Project (CLP) released a report revealing some of the most popular collagen peptide products contain measurable amounts of heavy metals. The Meat Effect: Protein, Carbs, and Your Diet. of liquid, twice a day. This is especially true in the United States where there may be a higher incidence of heavy metals in the soil of some regions.”. They proactively test each batch of collagen for heavy metals, striving for “no detect” levels, before allowing them on the market. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 75 percent had measurable levels of lead. With this product, you may be able to improve your joint health, cognitive function, appearance, and so … She recommends people turn to natural food sources primarily. And that can be better for both your health and your wallet.''. (122) 122 product ratings - Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder,Pasture Raised,Grass fed-unflavored 20Oz. ''It would be uncommon, if not impossible, not to detect the trace amounts reportedly found in any agricultural product, such as dairy products, fruits and vegetables.". Clean Label Project Director Jackie Bowen said the toxins found in the plant products could put people who follow vegetarian diets at heightened risk of health issues if they are regularly consuming the plant-based powders. Good news coming out of the research was the finding that no egg-based protein powders tested contained lead. VITAL PROTEINS BEAUTY COLLAGEN STRAWBERRY LEMON 9.6 oz Exp 08/21. Not only do we use better ingredients, we rigorously test for heavy metals in our protein. Plant-based protein powders contain arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead and more. June 3, 2010 -- Popular protein drinks with names like Muscle Milk and EAS Myoplex -- favorites of teens, gym rats, boomers, and pregnant women -- can contain potentially unsafe levels of heavy metals and other harmful substances, according to an investigation by Consumer Reports. Here are the top five and bottom five protein powders when it comes to purity of ingredients, according to the Clean Label Project: Get a closer look at the product ratings … According to the research report released today, of the 134 products tested, 53 were found to have “substantially elevated” levels of the following heavy metals. Our quality testing shows the level of these elements is below all current, well-established safety standards, including those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). What is collagen? The Clean Label Project recently tested 131 of America’s best selling animal-derived and plant-based protein powders for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury), over 100 pesticides, BPA/BPS (plasticizers that are known endocrine disruptors), residual solvents, mycotoxins, melamine and its analogues, and … U.S. consumers are expected to spend $293 million on collagen products. To get a rough idea of daily protein needs, the researchers say, multiply your body weight by 0.4. But as it's gotten more popular, there have been questions about how well it works and concerns about its safety. Consumer Reports Study Finds Worrisome Levels of Lead, Cadmium, and Other Metals. Consumer Reports says these three products are of special concern: Just one of the products, Six Star Muscle Professional Strength Whey Protein, specifies a maximum daily intake, Rock found. It is a known fact that our current diet and lifestyle are unhealthy. One contained more than 25 times the allowed level of BPA in just one serving. No added sugars or sweeteners. In addition to heavy metals, the research project included testing for BPA, a known endocrine disruptor. For instance, at least 1000 human proteins (out of ~20,000) contain zinc-binding protein domains although there may be up to 3000 human zinc metalloproteins.. Abundance. Heavy metal may cause proteins to aggregate as arsenite-induced protein aggregation was observed and shown to be concentration-dependent. They can best provide you with the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and assist you as well in deciding whether a dietary supplement will be a helpful addition to your regimen. ''Consuming these kinds of protein drinks on a regular basis can in some cases create the risk of chronic exposure, even at low levels, to heavy metals such as cadmium … Yes, but please check out our return policy here. The study is in process of being peer-reviewed. Zinc, magnesium and copper are the commonest metal ion that binds with viral proteins. “This could be due to the locations where the protein powder manufacturers’ plant ingredients are sourced having contaminated soil. Healthy eating enthusiasts may want to reconsider their protein powder choices in light of a new study that shows 40 percent of 134 brands tested have elevated levels of heavy metals, with certified organic products twice as likely to contain heavy metals as non-organic powders. Vital Note: We recommend adding collagen to your diet for at least 2-4 weeks for best results. The full report will be in the July issue of Consumer Reports. Protein is important in the diet, but you don’t need the protein drinks to get enough, says Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Supports healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, ligaments, and tendons**. Testing further revealed that about 10 percent of whey-based protein powders contained lead levels above health guidelines. Plus, they don’t not allow any detectable heavy metals into their gelatin whereas Great Lakes permits very small amounts. Clean Label selected and purchased the powders from retail store shelves and from online sources. Of the 134 tested powders, 28 contained twice the regulatory limit of 3 micrograms of BPA. It has 11.2 micrograms of arsenic -- close to the 15-microgram daily limit. Metalloprotein is a generic term for a protein that contains a metal ion cofactor. A scoop of Nitro-Tech powder, in comparison, has 25 grams. the world. Muscle Milk vanilla crème had 12.2 micrograms of lead per three servings -- above the 10-microgram daily limit. Here, we identified 46 and 55 HMPs in rice and Arabidopsis … More than 40 of the products tested only received one star. CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of a nationwide launch at Whole Foods, collagen-based nutrition company, Vital Proteins, enlists … While the protein drinks are marketed as convenient, Rock says, "Most people can meet their protein needs through diet. To start, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a revitalizing protein. Free shipping. In addition to lead, the plant powders in several cases contained mercury, cadmium and arsenic above health-based guidelines. No added sugars or sweeteners. Health Benefits ---- Original Collagen Peptides with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C is Vital Proteins exclusive product. 4.5 out of 5 stars (8) 8 product ratings - VITAL PROTEINS BEAUTY COLLAGEN STRAWBERRY LEMON 9.6 oz Exp 08/21. It is also a known fact that it is incredibly difficult to turn them around, since so much of our food is either processed, or sprayed with chemicals. The ingredients are grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine-hide collagen peptides, and amino acids. It’s found in the bones, muscles, skin and … Gluten, cholesterol, heavy metals, and dairy free. Most Americans surpass that, getting 82 grams a day, according to government surveys. Metal ions participate in maturation of genomic RNA, activation and catalytic mechanisms, reverse transcription, initial integration process and protection of newly synthesized DNA, inhibition of proton translocation (M2 protein), minus- and plus-strand transfer, enhance nucleic acid annealing, activation of transcription, … However, in this article we will focus on the four heavy metals most commonly found in protein powders: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Paleo Friendly & Whole30 Approved. They will even send you a copy of their latest batch testing upon request. Andrea Rock, senior editor, Consumer Reports. Heavy metals are a real issue across the supply chain, and Vital Proteins does something I deeply admire. T… That’s right: even organic, all-natural vegan protein brands may produce contaminated protein powders due to the location of the agricultural plots. That was about a year ago. The USP sets voluntary standards for health products.