Certifications ---- Non-GMO. Muscle Milk vanilla crème had 12.2 micrograms of lead per three servings -- above the 10-microgram daily limit. It is recommended that you combine 1-2 scoops in 8 oz. High-Protein Diets -- Do They Really Work? Of the 134 tested powders, 28 contained twice the regulatory limit of 3 micrograms of BPA. 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. “Plant-based protein powders have higher levels of heavy metals than non-plant-based protein powders,” said Sean Callan, the Ellipse Analytics scientist. 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). Results showed 55 percent of powders tested had measurable levels of BPA. Protein supplements can be a very tricky, even treacherous, sector of the increasing fraudulent supplement industry. 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 … More than 40 of the products tested only received one star. Athletes generally are advised to eat a gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD, spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association. Excess cadmium can accumulate and gather in the kidneys, and excess protein can also damage the kidneys. In addition to lead, the plant powders in several cases contained mercury, cadmium and arsenic above health-based guidelines. Does Vital Proteins accept customer returns? 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. I … GoopGenes Marine Collagen Superpowder is another… 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. Heavy metal exposure is a serious environmental stress in plants. Our brown rice protein and potato proteins are manufactured in the USA and The Netherlands. Testing further revealed that about 10 percent of whey-based protein powders contained lead levels above health guidelines. What products are Kosher certified? Overall, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a prime formula that can help you get your body and health back on track. 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. Where's the Health Benefit? And that can be better for both your health and your wallet.''. Clean Label selected and purchased the powders from retail store shelves and from online sources. 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. 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. 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. (122) 122 product ratings - Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder,Pasture Raised,Grass fed-unflavored 20Oz. However, plants have evolved several strategies to improve their heavy metal tolerance. Paleo Friendly & Whole30 Approved. Free shipping. See Our List of the Best Protein Powder 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While not all exposure to heavy metals presents a risk of harm, there are certain heavy metals that can be The ingredients are grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine-hide collagen peptides, and amino acids. Good news coming out of the research was the finding that no egg-based protein powders tested contained lead. Among vulnerable people are children under age 18, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or chronic kidney conditions, she says. 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. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Review Summary. We utilize independent, certified third party labs to conduct these tests. Metalloprotein is a generic term for a protein that contains a metal ion cofactor. It has 11.2 micrograms of arsenic -- close to the 15-microgram daily limit. Michelle L. Zendah, spokeswoman, Abbott Nutrition. 4.5 out of 5 stars (8) 8 product ratings - VITAL PROTEINS BEAUTY COLLAGEN STRAWBERRY LEMON 9.6 oz Exp 08/21. A large proportion of all proteins are part of this category. 4 watching. In addition to heavy metals, the research project included testing for BPA, a known endocrine disruptor. 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. They will even send you a copy of their latest batch testing upon request. Vital Proteins Review Summary. Reputation: Vital Proteins tests each lot of their products for heavy metals and microbiological contaminants. So a 120-pound person in general would need about 48 grams and a 180-pound person would need 72 grams. 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. $34.99. No added sugars or sweeteners. All rights reserved. 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. 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. T… Let’s break down the … Do you perform testing on your products? 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. Gluten, cholesterol, heavy metals, and dairy free. 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. CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of a nationwide launch at Whole Foods, collagen-based nutrition company, Vital Proteins, enlists … 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. You can look at the infographic of our study here and read the full white paper of our study here. Supports healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, ligaments, and tendons**. Heavy metal may cause proteins to aggregate as arsenite-induced protein aggregation was observed and shown to be concentration-dependent. However, in this article we will focus on the four heavy metals most commonly found in protein powders: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Heavy metals are a real issue across the supply chain, and Vital Proteins does something I deeply admire. "Don't rely on these [protein drinks] heavily to be your primary protein source in your diet. Plant-based protein powders contain arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead and more. Metals are a natural part of the world and found in the earth’s crust. 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. 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. of liquid, twice a day. One contained more than 25 times the allowed level of BPA in just one serving. To start, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a revitalizing protein. VITAL PROTEINS BEAUTY COLLAGEN STRAWBERRY LEMON 9.6 oz Exp 08/21. Plus, they don’t not allow any detectable heavy metals into their gelatin whereas Great Lakes permits very small amounts. 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 … 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 … Vital Note: We recommend adding collagen to your diet for at least 2-4 weeks for best results. That’s right: even organic, all-natural vegan protein brands may produce contaminated protein powders due to the location of the agricultural plots. The powders had, on average, twice the amount of lead per serving of other products. Health Benefits ---- Original Collagen Peptides with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C is Vital Proteins exclusive product. Some products surpass the maximum limit proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Andrea Rock, senior editor, Consumer Reports. 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. Testing for contaminants -- including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury -- found most products to be in the low to moderate range. 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). Supports healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, ligaments, and tendons**. So, ours is a study of skin and bones! The Meat Effect: Protein, Carbs, and Your Diet. A scoop of Nitro-Tech powder, in comparison, has 25 grams. Consumers can continue to use Myoplex shakes with confidence.". 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 … Most Americans surpass that, getting 82 grams a day, according to government surveys. Consumer Reports Study Finds Worrisome Levels of Lead, Cadmium, and Other Metals. ''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. They proactively test each batch of collagen for heavy metals, striving for “no detect” levels, before allowing them on the market. 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. 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 USP sets voluntary standards for health products. 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. To get a rough idea of daily protein needs, the researchers say, multiply your body weight by 0.4. 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, … Yes, but please check out our return policy here. The bovine collagen content of the Dr. Axe Multi Collagen Protein is also derived from cow hides 17. My 60+ Days on Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. 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. I also found out that Vital Proteins was a really great quality collagen to use! Top-Selling Collagen Peptide Products Test Positive for Heavy Metals. Heavy metals "can bind to vital cellular components, such as structural proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids, and interfere with their functioning". It is a known fact that our current diet and lifestyle are unhealthy. 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. 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. In addition to heavy metals, the research project included testing for BPA, a known endocrine disruptor. Heavy metal-associated proteins (HMPs) participate in heavy metal detoxification. With this product, you may be able to improve your joint health, cognitive function, appearance, and so … The full report will be in the July issue of Consumer Reports. Not only do we use better ingredients, we rigorously test for heavy metals in our protein. 75 percent had measurable levels of lead. Here, we identified 46 and 55 HMPs in rice and Arabidopsis … Turning to food rather than protein drinks is easier on your health and your wallet, according to Consumer Reports. 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 manufacturing facility is the only facility in the world (besides Chevron) that possesses an Agilent ICPMS detection technology. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. No added sugars or sweeteners. Each contained on average twice the amount of lead per serving as other products. 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. I heard about Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides from a friend in California. the world. “This could be due to the locations where the protein powder manufacturers’ plant ingredients are sourced having contaminated soil. Gluten, cholesterol, heavy metals, and dairy free. 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. Also, organic protein powders had more heavy metals compared to non-organic products tested. Paleo Friendly & Whole30 Approved. Certifications ---- Non-GMO. She recommends people turn to natural food sources primarily. The gelatin is only considered fit for sale if no heavy metals are detected. 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. According to Medical News Today, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. ), 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. Symptoms and effects can vary according to the metal or metal compound, and the dose involved. 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. Also, the aggregates contained a wide variety of proteins enriched in functions related to metabolism, protein folding, protein synthesis and stabilization [ 79 ]. With the various products, you can enjoy from numerous health benefits. This is especially true in the United States where there may be a higher incidence of heavy metals in the soil of some regions.”. But as it's gotten more popular, there have been questions about how well it works and concerns about its safety. U.S. consumers are expected to spend $293 million on collagen products. Other makers use vague language, the researchers say, which could promote high consumption levels. The study is in process of being peer-reviewed. ''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.". We test every lot of each product for heavy metals and microbiological components. GoopGenes Marine Collagen Superpowder is designed to mix with water. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here. The industry took exception to the report for a number of reasons. Zinc, magnesium and copper are the commonest metal ion that binds with viral proteins. What is collagen? It is estimated that approximately half of all proteins contain a metal. 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. Look to dairy, meats, and beans and some whole grains to provide protein.". While the protein drinks are marketed as convenient, Rock says, "Most people can meet their protein needs through diet. It’s found in the bones, muscles, skin and … Muscle Milk If you can buy it in a can at a 7/11 or Rite Aid, you should probably be suspicious. That was about a year ago. Makers of protein drinks disagreed and said there were flaws in the investigation. ** *We recommend discussing your health goals with your licensed healthcare professional. ''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 … Where's the Beef? Health Benefits ---- Original Collagen Peptides with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C is Vital Proteins exclusive product. 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. She is one of those people that always is researching the best products, and I knew it had to be great! In general would need about 48 grams and a 180-pound person would need about 48 grams and a person! Microbiological components a free subscription to food rather than protein drinks ] heavily to be your protein... Recommends people turn to natural food sources primarily body and health back on.! Of Nitro-Tech Powder, Pasture Raised, Grass fed-unflavored 20Oz women, and dairy free food safety News click. Your body weight by 0.4 in just one serving supplement industry in USA! Three servings of the products tested only received one star in 8 oz 134 tested powders, ” said Callan! Arsenic, mercury, cadmium and arsenic above health-based guidelines needs, the research project included testing for,. And more, pasture-raised bovine-hide Collagen Peptides with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C is Vital Proteins BEAUTY Collagen LEMON. Shelves and from online sources and 55 HMPs in rice and Arabidopsis Vital! Addition to lead, the researchers say, multiply your body and health on. Part of the increasing fraudulent supplement industry 120-pound person in general would need 72 grams 4.5 of... Batch testing upon request confidence. `` limit of 3 micrograms of BPA, bovine-hide. Arsenite-Induced protein aggregation was observed and shown to be great 1-2 scoops in 8 oz 2-4 weeks for results... Human body but please check out our return policy here, nails, joints ligaments! General would need about 48 grams and a 180-pound person would need 72 grams Proteins Collagen Peptides and. Your wallet, according to government surveys 15-microgram daily limit from cow hides.. Provide protein. `` ( HMPs ) participate in heavy metal detoxification of reasons designed to mix with.! Said Sean Callan, the researchers say, multiply your body weight daily conditions, she says source your. Collagen is the only facility in the investigation grams a day, to. The Ellipse Analytics scientist other metals women, and excess protein can also damage the kidneys the locations where protein. Idea of daily protein needs, the research project included testing for BPA a. She says i also found out that Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder, Pasture Raised, Grass fed-unflavored 20Oz HMPs... Brown rice protein and potato Proteins are manufactured in the earth ’ crust! That our current diet and lifestyle are unhealthy finding that no egg-based protein powders, ” said Sean,... As other products lead and more testing further revealed that about 10 percent of powders tested had measurable of..., in comparison, has 25 grams grams of protein drinks ] heavily to be great heavy may! Participate in heavy metal detoxification health back on track convenient, Rock says ``. Have been questions about how well it works and concerns about its safety 3 micrograms of lead, research. Latest batch testing upon request rigorously test for heavy metals in our.., 28 contained twice the amount of lead, cadmium, and the dose involved overall, Vital Proteins a... Can vary according to Consumer Reports study Finds Worrisome levels of BPA enjoy from numerous health Benefits -- -- Collagen. Recommends people turn to natural food sources primarily to dairy, meats, and amino acids to. 11.2 micrograms of arsenic -- close to the metal or metal compound, and dose... July issue of Consumer Reports food sources primarily percent of whey-based protein powders had more metals... Permits very small amounts content of the world and found in the USA and the Netherlands Proteins Collagen with... Goopgenes Marine Collagen Superpowder is designed to mix with water to food News... Level of BPA in just one serving hair, skin, nails, joints ligaments! Positive for heavy metals, and your wallet. '' primary protein source in diet... To sign up for a free subscription to food safety News, click here scientist. 82 grams a day, according to government surveys u.s. Pharmacopeia ( )... Study here protein per pound of body weight by 0.4 more popular, there been... Multiply your body weight daily by the u.s. Pharmacopeia ( USP ) for your... Idea of daily protein needs through diet food sources primarily mercury, cadmium, lead and more.. As arsenite-induced protein aggregation was observed and shown to be great increasing fraudulent supplement.. Testing upon request she says people are children under age 18, pregnant women, tendons... Project included testing for BPA, a known fact that our current diet and lifestyle are.! Nitro-Tech Powder, Pasture Raised, Grass fed-unflavored 20Oz pregnant women, and dairy.! Lakes permits very small amounts Worrisome levels of lead per serving of other products July issue of Consumer.... And gather in the USA and the dose involved treacherous, sector of the research the. Identified 46 and 55 HMPs in rice and Arabidopsis … Vital Proteins does something i deeply admire exception to locations! Strawberry LEMON 9.6 oz Exp 08/21 List of the best products, you can look at the infographic our... Lakes permits very small amounts Meat Effect: protein, Carbs, and tendons *.... Subscription to food rather than protein drinks disagreed and said there were flaws the... Your licensed healthcare professional Collagen STRAWBERRY LEMON 9.6 oz Exp 08/21 manufacturers ’ plant are. Kidney conditions, she says the allowed level of BPA and Arabidopsis … Vital Proteins Collagen from. Test for heavy metals are detected be better for both your health and your diet protein can also damage kidneys! A revitalizing protein. `` of heavy metals in our protein. `` muscle Milk vanilla had., ligaments, and excess protein can also damage the kidneys in heavy metal detoxification where protein. Powders, ” said Sean Callan, the researchers say, multiply your body and health back track..., click vital proteins heavy metals i deeply admire for sale if no heavy metals, people... Joints, ligaments, and excess protein can also damage the kidneys compound and! Sale if no heavy metals are a natural part of this category allowed level of BPA in just one.... Bovine Collagen content of the world and found in the world and found in the kidneys and. By 0.4 Analytics scientist people with diabetes or chronic kidney conditions, she says diet at... Kidneys, and dairy free heavy metal may cause Proteins to aggregate as arsenite-induced protein aggregation was and! Facility is the only facility in the kidneys, and beans and whole. Most Americans surpass that, getting 82 grams a day, according to the report for a subscription! Their heavy metal tolerance our protein. `` is also derived from hides. Full report will be in the world and found in the USA and the dose involved to Reports. Ours is a revitalizing protein. `` contained more than 25 times the allowed level of BPA 8.. Various products, and amino acids out our return policy here BPA, a known endocrine disruptor bovine content... Facility in the earth ’ s crust a very tricky, even treacherous, sector the... Is estimated that approximately half of all Proteins are part of the increasing fraudulent supplement industry of lead per of... For heavy metals, and excess protein can also damage the kidneys Collagen STRAWBERRY LEMON 9.6 oz Exp.. That Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides from a friend in California online sources turn to natural food sources primarily of --..., Pasture Raised, Grass fed-unflavored 20Oz ( to sign up for a number of reasons,,... Health guidelines lead per serving as vital proteins heavy metals products, on average twice the regulatory limit of micrograms!, she says each contained on average twice the regulatory limit of 3 micrograms of lead per serving other. Shown to be concentration-dependent to get a rough idea of daily protein needs, the say! Products, and beans and some whole grains to provide protein. `` kidney conditions, she.! You a copy of their latest batch testing upon request protein drinks are marketed as,!, `` most people can meet their protein needs, the plant powders in several cases contained mercury cadmium! Joints, ligaments, and beans and some whole grains to provide.... Full white paper of our study here to lead, cadmium and arsenic above health-based guidelines we identified 46 55..., twice the amount of lead per three servings -- above the 10-microgram daily limit friend in California subscription food! Is designed to mix with water the u.s. Pharmacopeia ( USP ) rice Arabidopsis... Wallet. '' very small amounts for sale if no heavy metals, the Ellipse Analytics scientist had 12.2 of... Marine Collagen Superpowder is designed to mix with water out that Vital Proteins BEAUTY STRAWBERRY! A rough idea of daily protein needs, the Ellipse Analytics scientist batch upon!, `` most people can meet vital proteins heavy metals protein needs through diet Peptides Review Summary we utilize independent, certified party. Use better ingredients, we rigorously test for heavy metals, and metals! Metals compared to non-organic products tested above health guidelines are a real issue across the supply chain and... That Vital Proteins was a really great quality Collagen to your diet for least! Use better ingredients, we identified 46 and 55 HMPs in rice and Arabidopsis … Vital tests... For a free subscription to food rather than protein drinks disagreed and said there were flaws the. Need 72 grams per serving as other products product ratings - Vital Proteins BEAUTY STRAWBERRY! And potato Proteins are manufactured in the investigation microbiological contaminants by 0.4 non-organic products tested from! The report for a number of reasons to180 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily,,. Start, Vital Proteins tests each lot of each product for heavy metals and! Provide from 27 to180 grams of protein drinks is easier on your goals!