Our investigation, including tests
at an outside laboratory of 15
protein drinks, a review of
government documents, and interviews
with health and fitness experts and
consumers, found some protein drinks
can pose health risks, including
exposure to potentially harmful
heavy metals, if consumed
frequently. All drinks in our tests
had at least one sample containing
one or more of the following
contaminants: arsenic, cadmium,
lead, and mercury. Those metals can
have toxic effects on several organs
in the body.
Here is the list of the 15 protein
drinks:
Here are the average amounts of
metals we found in three servings of
these protein drinks. The maximum
limits for them in dietary
supplements proposed by the U.S.
Pharmacopeia are: arsenic
(inorganic), 15 micrograms (µg) per
day; cadmium, 5 µg; lead, 10 µg;
mercury, 15 µg. Amounts at or
exceeding those limits are in bold.
Experts said three servings a day is
common.
