This week, in US Nonprofit Consumer Reports He was investigated 23 Testing protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes from popular brands to see in the event that they contain heavy metals.
More than two-thirds One of the products accommodates more lead than the beneficial serving size California Guidelines Suggest a day: 0.5 micrograms (mcg or µg).
Protein powders and kills are commonly used to construct muscle. But some people may use it as a meal substitute in a weight reduction program, or to shed extra pounds after an illness or injury.
Some products were labeled plant-based in Consumer Reports, some were labeled as organic and a few used animal and milk-based proteins. Only one product had no detectable levels of lead.
So what does this mean for people using protein powder? And what’s the situation in Australia?
Lead has been present in protein powders before
Consumer Reports Lead levels were found to be elevated Since its last report in 2010. One product has twice as much lead because the worst performer in 2010.
a A separate investigation in 2018 who analyzed 130 protein powders available on Amazon found that 70% contained heavy metals.
Another one Analysis In 2021, 36 protein powders were found to have lead levels starting from 0.8-88.4 mcg per kilogram of product. Using the identical 20 grams a day, this could mean an intake range of 0.016 mcg to 1.77 mcg.
How does lead get into these products?
Lead comes from each natural sources (equivalent to volcanic activity and chemical weathering of rocks) and man-made sources (equivalent to leaded gasoline, industrial processes, and paint). As a result, crops absorb lead and the metal enters the food and water supply.
In American government Testing From 2014 to 2016, 27% of all food samples (2,923) tested positive for them.
In Australia, testing In 2019 It found that of 508 food samples, 15% had detectable levels of lead. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) modeling suggests that this could end in a mean lead intake of 0.018–0.16 MCG per kilogram across age groups. For a 70 kg person, this could range from 1.26 to 11.2 mcg per day from foods and drinks.
Lead can be inhaled as dust from industrial processes Mining stinks or by inhaling (or licking) pieces of lead-rich paint, or by utilizing or coming into contact with it when handling old lead toys or other lead appliances. Contaminated water or soil.
How can lead affect your health?
Lead provides no health advantages. This is Harmful to the body And can damage almost every organ system.
His The biggest impact It is on the brain and nervous system. For children, this will result in cognitive and physical development, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
With high levels of lead exposure, adults are at increased risk of anemia, joint pain, kidney damage, and nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.
During pregnancy, lead may be transferred to the fetus, causing complications equivalent to premature birth, low birth weight and developmental problems in the infant. It can also be a priority for breastfeeding moms, as some lead may be transferred through breast milk.
Lead can also be listed As a potential carcinogenor the explanation for cancer, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
As blood levels increase, health concerns increase. Very high level In the blood (above 120 mcg per deciliter) could cause death.
What other guidelines say is a protected level of lead?
The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) concluded that there is no such thing as a protected level of lead in your weight-reduction plan. You should use as little as possible to avoid health effects.
NHRMC Recommends Blood levels, which have in mind all exposures, needs to be lower than 5 mcg per deciliter of blood. (But Australia doesn’t have a every day limit.)
In 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration update The maximum protected dietary intake level is 2.2 mcg per day for youngsters and eight.8 mcg per day for girls of childbearing age. That's higher than the California level Consumer Reports is used to.
Using the FDA's levels, Consumer Reports reports all products may be used every day for adults — nevertheless it doesn't account for exposure to other foods or the environment.
Should we be frightened in Australia?
Most of the products tested by Consumer Reports can be found for purchase online, and should be stocked in shops.
There aren’t any data on lead levels in protein powders in Australia.
So there's no method to know in case your protein complement excels on this, unless you do a chemical evaluation by an accredited laboratory as done by Consumer Reports.
So should I limit my intake?
Perhaps, but not simply because of concerns about lead.
We simply don't understand how much lead is in each scoop of protein powder, so it's hard to make recommendations about whether or not these products are protected to make use of each day. Levels will vary between levels and even between containers. Occasional use is more likely to be protected, but every day or more frequent use may result in unsafe lead intake.
It's also necessary to keep in mind that your blood levels can even be affected by environmental exposures and other foods.
But most of us don't need extra protein, even when we train. around 99% of Australians Meet their protein needs beforehand.
It's best to eat protein from whole foods, and also you'll get the advantages of other nutrients as well.
- Dairy products also contain calcium and vitamin B12
- Fermented milks equivalent to yogurt and cheese also contain probiotics
- Fish accommodates omega-3 fats
- Red meat accommodates iron and zinc
- Lentils, beans and nuts offer you antioxidants and fiber.
All of those nutrients are equally necessary to our good health and are less more likely to be concentrated sources of heavy metals equivalent to lead.