An investigation by Consumer Reports has found lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in fifteen different protein drinks. Some of these drinks can potentially pose health problems over time (consumption of heavy metals and excessive protein). These drinks were all sold as “ready-to-drink” liquids or powders and had varying levels of heavy metals (from low to moderate). Dietary supplements have voluntary standards for health products, which are set by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and protein drinks and other dietary supplements are not required to be tested before they are sold.
Three out of the fifteen drinks tested were found to contain levels of heavy metals above the USP limits for lead, cadmium or arsenic. These drinks are commonly used by athletes, baby boomers, pregnant women and teenagers. The proposed limits set by the USP for lead are 10 micrograms per day; the proposed limit for cadmium is 5 micrograms per day; the proposed limit for arsenic is 15 micrograms per day.
One drink was found to contain 16.9 micrograms of arsenic and 5.1 micrograms of cadmium. Another drink was found to contain all three metals with 13.5 micrograms of lead, 5.6 micrograms of cadmium and 12.2 micrograms of arsenic. And a third drink was found to contain 12.2 micrograms of lead and 11.2 micrograms of arsenic. All findings are based on three servings per day and all samples were either purchased in the New York metro area or online.
It appears that the federal government is not protecting the consumer and better regulation or oversight of “consumer products” such as protein shakes, toothbrushes, or baby spoons should be common sense and is needed. But lack of regulations has cause states to write their own, more strict regulations. According to this study by Consumer Reports, eight of the fifteen drinks would be required by Proposition 65 (California Law) to have manufacturers notify consumers because of lead content.
This investigation was prompted by Dr. Kathy Burns, a Boston-area Toxicologist and founder of Sciencecorps and Judy Braiman of Empire State Consumer Project.
To view the report from Consumer Reports, please visit. To view the press release from Consumer Reports, please visit.
This is just another “consumer product” that is not a consumer product and Essco Safety Check is working to help people and businesses know what is in their environment and mitigate potential harm.
