The July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports made headlines by announcing that Muscle Milk and EAS Myoplex protein supplements contained high levels of arsenic, lead and cadmium. Consumer Reports (CR) hired an independent laboratory to test 15 brands of protein supplements. The “Big 3” that were highlighted as the worst offenders were:
- Muscle Milk chocolate powder (high cadmium and high lead)
- Muscle Milk Vanilla Cream (high cadmium)
- EAS Myoplex liquid shake, original, dark chocolate (high arsenic and high lead)
This was very interesting because of EAS is owned by Abbott Labs – a pharmaceutical company! Many people say supplements should be “regulated” like drugs. Abbott Labs has very high quality control over its prescription drugs and have no reason to believe that they would do any less in their dietary supplements. So, mentioning EAS was a surprise to me to say the least!
But, more to the point, did the protein supplements tested by CR really contain these toxic substances? I was curious so I called CytoSport, the maker of Muscle Milk, to see what they had to say.
My Call to CytoSport
When I called CytoSport they told me that the FDA tested Muscle Milk. They did not find high levels of lead, cadmium or arsenic. Likewise, NSF International did not did corroborate the results of Consumer Reports either. I was also told that CR has not told CytoSport the name of the independent laboratory that found the high levels.
Shouldn't EAS and CytoSport be able to face their accusers?
CytoSport has a press release on their website in response to the CR article. They do make some good points so its worth looking at.
EAS has also responded to the Consumer Reports article with its own press release
So where does this leave us?
The rule of thumb when it comes to science is that one study alone does not mean very much. I personally would like to see the CR results reproduced a few more times before I give it credence. Also, the levels of toxins that consumer reports detected were based on using 3 servings a day. So, those using less than 3 servings a day, are getting less (if the contaminants are really present…). A serving of Muscle Milk is 2 scoops (300 calories). At 3 servings a day, that’s 6 scoops – and 900 calories!
Now, I would not be surprised by a bodybuilder using this amount but I would be surprised by an average person who was. Most people who use this amount of calories without enough exercise will just get fat!
I've been reading Consumer Reports for years. I have an open mind and am very much looking forward to seeing other independent laboratories test protein supplements. Yes, there are problems with the way some products are made and it is also true errors can be made in testing. While it is virtually impossible to remove all traces of these toxins from the food supply (small amounts are in food too!) lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury have no place in dietary supplements.
So, if these toxins are really present, I know these very well known companies will respond and when they do, it will be a positive step to making the dietary supplement industry that much better.
What do you think?
How about Abbott EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control shakes? Was it in your survey?
Hi Barb, Abbott EAS Advant Edge Carb control shakes were not mentioned in the review. Is that the shake you often use?
This is one of the proteins I have come across in my search for a “clean” protein powder.
While there are pros and cons to every powder I have to say that I appreciate Optimum Nutrition’s openness about their product regarding metals in their products. Although, their comparison chart only compares lead levels it is still refreshing.
optimumnutrition.com/news.php?article=874
I really appreciated your reply on my previous posting. I will have to look into isopure a little more to see if I can find an ingredient list. I have also found only protein onlyprotein.com/
They all seem to have a trade off – Optimum Nutrition and Only protein both use Stevia (Optimum lists it as “Rebaudioside A” ) Maybe the combination of the stevia with the protein will make it easier on the stomach. My personal inner battle with stevia aside lol.
Brittany, I did some asking and was told that at this website you can custom make your own protein powder to include/exclude what you dont want (including artificial sweaters) http://www.truenutrition.com/ Ive never tried this site but people say its legit.
I just looked at the Isopure label (chocolate flavor) and the last 2 ingredients say artificial flavors and Sucralose. They are the last 2 listed so they are likely are the lowest levels. Having tasted isopure I can tell it doesn’t have a big chocolate or is what Id call “sweet.” Hope that helps 🙂
Melissa,
I called EAS and and CytoSport because I wanted to hear what they had to say. Consumer reports has deeper pockets than I do so they can afford an independent lab. If I had access to a mass spectrometer I would have tested them myself.
It is interesting that I have not heard of any other lab coming forth and saying that they corroborated the consumer reports findings (College students -this would make a very good Masters Thesis!)
I am of the mind, as I think you are also, that food should be the first thing we should be eating (I tend to lean more to organic also when possible). Supplements are meant to supplement the diet. I dont feel people should only use protein supplements because those supplements may leave out some unknown part of food needed for health.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’ll look at my captchas. I thought I made them very easy to read.
and in addition to my previous comment… why would you call the manufacturer instead of using 3rd party resource? The corporation will protect itself at all costs including giving the consumer false information. Hello? This has been going on for years and there is absolutely NO REGULATION. Go to a third party source; if it’s a blind test they shouldn’t have to list their labs; testing because they could be liable to lawsuits. after all, this is AMERICA
Abbott has had some amazing pharma breakthroughs. That being said the Pharmcos (who also control the FDA and Insurance companies) are using us as human lab rats at our expense. It may be at some point in their corporate career they had some semblance of integrity, but now NONE of them do; they are all in it for the almighty dollar. If they released the cures they have (any of those companies) they would lose total control and monetary gain as well. Convince me I’m wrong. (and your captchas are a pain)
I am not looking to start an argument or be insulting, but the FDA is pretty autonomous organization. The claim that they are controlled by pharmaceutical companies is patently false.
Art, I would agree. I do think they are underfunded and hamstrung by a lot of red tape.