Third-party testing: Protein powders are classified as dietary supplements in the U.S. UU. In other words, the FDA does not evaluate the safety or purity of protein supplements. Like other dietary supplements, protein powder is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It's best to choose protein powders that have gone through third-party testing to ensure that the product is what the manufacturer says it is. The FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those that cover conventional foods and medications. Andrew Shao, senior vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry group, says there's no such thing as eating too much protein, as long as other nutrients are also included in the diet. For example, consuming several cups of coffee or tea throughout the day in addition to a protein powder that contains caffeine could have unpleasant side effects, such as tremors, migraines and insomnia.
Kathy Burns, a toxicologist and founder of Sciencecorps, a non-profit network of science and medical professionals in the Boston area, was concerned about the possible health effects of the protein supplements that her son, who was then of high school age, and his friends used widely. By maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet, you can live healthy and avoid the hidden ingredients and contaminants in sports nutrition powders. For these reasons, consumers need to know exactly what's in their daily protein shakes and how this may affect their health. Food and Drug Administration research suggests that foods such as milk, yogurt, eggs, poultry, and red meat are generally good sources of protein that appear to contain little or no cadmium, lead, arsenic, or mercury.
But are these supplements really safe? In addition to proteins, these powders often contain potentially harmful chemicals, and some are even contaminated with toxins and metals. Whether you're looking to shed unwanted pounds, get a quick boost of energy, build muscle, or combat the aging process, some supplement manufacturers are recommending protein drinks as a scientifically proven way to quickly achieve your goals. However, federal regulations generally do not require that protein drinks and other dietary supplements be tested before they are sold to ensure that they are safe, effective, and free of contaminants, as required by the regulations for prescription drugs. A diet rich in whole foods such as legumes, nuts and soy products provides plenty of muscle-building protein.
For most people, protein drinks aren't the only possible source of exposure to heavy metals, but they are a source that can be easily avoided, as most people can meet their protein needs, help minimize exposure to contaminants and save money by choosing the right foods. However, our research, which included testing in an external laboratory with 15 protein drinks, a review of government documents, and interviews with health and fitness experts and consumers, revealed that most people are already consuming enough protein and that there are much better and cheaper ways to add more if needed. Andrew Shao, senior vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry group, says protein powders and beverages are a safe option for teens and even pregnant women.
