The FDA & TGA leave the testing of protein powders to the manufacturers therefore, there is no real way to tell if what is in the product is what the manufacturers say. The presence of a heavy metal does not equate to toxicity in the body or harm resulting from it. Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. [8], The proposed limit stems from extensive testing of rice and non-rice products, a 2016 FDA risk assessment that analyzed scientific studies showing an association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurological effects in early life with inorganic arsenic exposure, and an evaluation of the feasibility of reducing inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. Soft texture Excellent flavor that can be easily brewed, shaken, mixed or used to make desserts. However, there is a 2017 peer-reviewed published study that found that most protein powders tested had levels of heavy metals (Cadmium, arsenic, chromium and lead) that exceeded the maximum daily exposure recommendations (from the EPA and ANSI). Based on its testing, in 2016 the FDA proposed an action level, or limit, of 100 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. Chemical engineer turned semi-professional soccer player and freelance nutrition writer. At present, we cannot guarantee supply of organically certified plant-based protein of this quality. Heavy Metals in Plant Protein Powder: Mostly Hype or Cause for Concern? Safe daily levels of Cd for adults should be kept below. [7]Thats 20 544 ug/day for a 150-pound person. This was for a single daily serving. Safety and Toxicity Levels of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury. My only big disappointment is that your product includes probiotics, which I cant tolerate, and which a bunch of studies explain really havent been proven to have a beneficial effect, and actually can have a harm effect in some people bc the probiotics (bacteria) can get into the bloodstream, among other issues. Study results on the nonprofits 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. Mercury settles into bodies of water like lakes and streams, or onto land, where it can be washed into water. Thanks, Tina, appreciate your kind words. Like any vitamin or mineral, the frequency, dose, and exposure defines the poisonremember that most vitamins and vitamins are toxic in excessive amounts. 1. However, there are vegan proteins that are truly clean and very low in heavy metals, contaminants and other nasties. For that reason, we are using recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who seem to be the most active in publishing new research and content about heavy metals. The Clean Label Project, according to its website, is a nonprofit focused on health and transparency in consumer product labeling.. 1. I follow the same procedure for every powder, to ensure that they are compared fairly: The mixability score is then calculated with this formula: Nuzest mixes really well. The high protein content is mainly due to the simple ingredients list. [12] The European Food Safety Authoritys Panel says that a tolerable weekly intake for cadmium should be 2.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight or less, or 24 ug/day for a 150-lb person. It is a particular problem with rice which absorbs the contaminants more readily. Each contained on average twice the amount of lead per serving as other products. Flavors: Several, including unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, coffee. [17]. 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. [13], Individual variations in Cd absorption and sensitivity to toxicity predicts that a dietary Cd intake of 30 mcg/d may result in a slight renal dysfunction in about 1% of the adult population. At doses higher than this, lead has been shown to hinder neuronal development, particularly in infants. I've been vegan for years and try to make life easier for others by sharing what I've learned. I Reviewed the PureFit Protein Bar for Taste, Protein, and Cost. San Diego,CA 92108, 2022 Environmental Research Center. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699750/, http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-09/documents/metals-risk-assessment-final.pdf, http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc224.htm#15, https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1351, https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/metals/ucm319948.htm, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=46&tid=15, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2831915/, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=6&po=12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11177195, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/090320, https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/chemical_safety/contaminants/catalogue/cadmium_en, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=34&po=8, https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ACCLPP/blood_lead_levels.htm, http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v21je16.htm, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609970/, https://www.fda.gov/downloads/foodtotaldietstudy/ucm184301.pdf, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/MSUE_Fight_Lead_With_Nutrition_WEB-4-22-16.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344667/, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2003/np20/en/. Our pea protein isolate comes from sustainably-cultivated European golden peas grown in Northern France. One note: the Doses section does not really specify permitted doses over a given period of time (such as daily) rather, it refers to permitted concentrations (per unit of food/water?, per unit of body weight?). heavy metal contamination in protein powders, The Best Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Sources (Complete Guide). Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Protein: 20g Mildly alkaline pH 7.8 is one of the few proteins that is weakly alkaline. I guess Ill have to keep looking. Arsenic has a role in the metabolism of the amino acid methionine and in gene silencing, which means its a mineral your body actually needs. The powders had, on average, twice the amount of lead per serving of other products. It should go without saying, but if you have concerns about your (or your childs) blood levels, ask your doctor for a blood test. It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Thats a perfect score when rounded up. And we must reduce our exposure as much as possible. Has the highest quality ingredients and is one of the best vegan protein powders. With golden pea protein isolate you receive all 9 essential amino acids and an alkaline protein with a pH reading of 7.8.Nuzest sources pea protein from Northern France due to the clean air, soil, and water. From a consumer health point of view, the most important thing is the testing of the finished product. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Look to see if they have been tested for purity, (1) Jaishankar M, Tseten T, Anbalagan N, Mathew BB, Beeregowda KN. Any waste is converted to biofuel or animal feed and all water used is purified and recycled. In this action, ERC alleges that TWO additional specific products manufactured, distributed, or sold by Nuzest,containlead, a chemicallisted under Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin, and exposes consumers to lead at a level requiring a Proposition 65 warning. Clean Label Project screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found 40% of the products contained heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, calcium and mercury have found that prolonged exposure to heavy metals can lead to the development of certain degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and multiple sclerosis. Nuzest protein and supplement products are tested quarterly for heavy metals, pesticides, solvents and other contaminants, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead. Below youll find a summary of topics well cover. In people, over-exposure to lectins has the ability to damage the delicate intestinal wall, promoting inflammation and leaky gut. However, if overall value for your dollar is more important to you, there are other options that might be better for you. But seems Im already ingesting metals naturally, everything in moderation is key. Its spawned an industry of opportunists hoping to make a quick buck. 3. This will tell you if you have elevated levels. I dont have much else to say, only you know how important budget is to you. If heavy metals concern you, go get your (or your kids) blood tested by your doctor. However, because of the recent publicity surrounding BPAs and consumer concern, we will be introducing a BPA testing regime just to satisfy customers. can you list any of the good protein drinks or if there is any at all ? You may have heard that certain brands of vegan protein powders have recently been found to have high levels of toxicants including lead, arsenic, and cadmium in laboratory tests. Nuzest is arguably the best vegan protein powder without stevia, which is used in the majority of them. 2. Carbohydrate total: 1g On April6, 2021, Environmental Research Center filed a Notice of Violation of California Law Proposition 65, against Nuzest. They are grown in soils that do not have high natural contents of heavy metals. Heres what we know about lead, based on the latestresearch: Keep in mind these are blood lead levels. If you have questions or comments, feel free to leave it below. Mercury poses risks to the development children in utero and in early life. Can you comment on Stevia in regard to the following article and the source/derivation of your stevia? Thanks! Arsenic is found in small doses in many foods and in drinking water. One protein powder even had 25x the allowed limit of BPA (an endocrine disruptor). Is Nuzest More Expensive Than Other Vegan Protein Powder? https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=229299, https://www.epa.gov/mercury/how-people-are-exposed-mercury, Do Probiotics Work? Our manufacturer tests for them regularly and the results are always negative, as the results are for pesticides, because the water extraction process is so effective, delivering such a high purity of protein and component amino acids. Ive tested dozens of vegan protein powders, and while Nuzest may taste the best, others do come close: Your friendly neighborhood vegan from Toronto. In this review, Ill break down how Nuzest scored based on my standardized testing procedure. Yours explained the issue very well AND I love that you actually post third party testing results on your website. Heavy metals are naturally present in water and soil, which means there are trace amounts in most fruits, vegetables, and tap water. Otherwise, if budget is a concern for you, there are better value options. Personally, I much prefer the taste of it to stevia, which almost every other powder uses. Nuzest's plant-based protein provides exceptional taste, texture, and nutrients. Whether the soil is certified organic or conventional, and regardless of whether the plant is organic or genetically modified. However, in this article we will focus on the four heavy metals most commonly found in protein powders: Arsenic is found in small doses in many foods and in drinking water and plays a role in some biological processes in humans. The five products that received the poorest overall scores were: I dont like any of these products, personally. Publishers platform: Tara is back on ingredient list at Revive? On top of that, heavy metal information currently available online from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Science Foundation (NSF) is dated (in most cases, more than 10 years old). The issue with heavy metals is that they accumulate in the brain, bones, fat and other tissues. High protein + low carb + low fat + no added sugar. The highest total arsenic levels have been measured in the following foods: fish and seafood, products or supplements based on algae, and cereal and cereal products, with particularly high concentrations in rice grains and rice-based products and bran and germ. A tolerable amount has been set by the World Health Organization of 1.6 g/kg bodyweight, per week, or around 17 g per day for an average weight woman. 7. Safe daily levels of Cd intake should be kept below 30 ug per person per day, according to a study published in the. Californias daily limit for lead, in particular, is 0.5 mcg (or ppm),which is 20-50x more stringent than acceptable levels established by the World Health Organization, National Science Foundation, and EPA. If you eat foods high in calcium, iron, and Vitamin C, your body will absorb less lead from food and drinks. Cadmium (Cd) is an element found in the environment from natural occurrence and contamination. I could not find a peer-reviewed article based on their analyses. Lets break down the important facts, starting with arsenic: Arsenic is found in small doses in many foods and in drinking water. Lead is a cumulative toxin that affects multiple body systems and may be particularly harmful to young children. For Nuzest's founder, Trevor, it was when his daughter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) says that 5 micrograms per deciliter (5 g/dL) is a blood lead level higher than 97.5% of children and no safe level has been established for children so parents would be wise to avoid dietary exposure to lead in their young children whenever possible [16]. Energy: 110cal There have been some concerns over heavy metal contamination in protein powders lately, mainly those sourced from China (which most companies use). [20]. 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. Extracted from the fruit of the catempeh from Africa. Cadmium contamination can cause kidney failure and bone demineralization. Avoid artificial colours, flavours, and added sugars. Legal proceedings to enforce Prop 65 against manufacturers are instituted by the State of California, private attorneys, or private citizen bounty hunters, who collect tens of millions of dollars every year. Children absorb more than adults exactly how much more is unknown. If your mercury levels are high, eat less large fish like tuna, swordfish, and grouper. https://cleanlabelproject.org/protein-powder-white-paper/. Our ingredients far surpass standard levels set by organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), US FDA, EPA, National Science Foundation, European Union, and Canadian Natural Health Products Directorate. The first thing I always look at ishow much protein is in the powder. Results showed 55 percent of powders tested had measurable levels of BPA. You mustLogin/Registerfor write a review. It tastes amazing, partly due to being one of the few protein powders not sweetened with stevia. [7]Thats, Based on its testing, in 2016 the FDA proposed an action level, or limit, of. If cost isnt too important to you, I highly recommend Nuzest. Nuzest was the 23rd vegan protein powder that I tested on my quest to find thebest tasting vegan protein powder. Suite 400 This could be due to the locations where the protein powder manufacturers plant ingredients are sourced having contaminated soil. Doesnt matter where the proteins were grown either , When the State of California conducted a soil-lead-uptake analysis of its own soil, from 70 different locations, they found that most vegetables averaged four times the Prop 65 lead limits. 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. Protein powders should ideally have as much protein as possible, with as few calories as possible. But it is important to appreciate that this risk occurs whether or not a plant protein is certified organic, because the sources of the contamination are from the soil, the air and the manufacturing process. My objective when compiling research for this article was simple: Find out what levels of heavy metals in foods/drinks are considered toxic / safe, according to the latest research. 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. : https://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/1644/the-truth-about-stevia-the-so-called-healthy-alternative-sweetener/. They conveniently offer certification services along with an online marketplace: Californias daily limit for lead, in particular, is. Powders containing rice tended to have high lead contents, higher than your list of foods that contain lead. I feel great from it, see great result, and frankly theres nothing I have ever seen or found better out there. Its a very high purity isolate containing almost 90% pure protein produced from sustainably farmed peas from northern France. The National Toxicology Program says that there is sufficient evidence for adverse health effects in children and adults at BLL <5 g/dL. Alarming isnt it! This is especially true in the United States where there may be a higher incidence of heavy metals in the soil of some regions.. Just because you eat a serving of Brussels sprouts (or sweet potatoes, spinach or protein powder), doesnt mean your body will absorb the entire 7.9 mcg in one serving , A tolerable amount has been set by the World Health Organization of, of a heavy metal does not equate to toxicity in the body or harm resulting from it. Use natural sweetener Thaumatin, which is a sweet protein. The highest observed reading in the Clean Label Project analysis was 26.6 g/kg, or approx. So if you wanted to be on the safe side, Nuzest is one of your few options that sources their pea protein from elsewhere. Of the 134 tested powders, 28 contained twice the regulatory limit of 3 micrograms of BPA. Clean Lean Protein is also entirely free of lectins. [3], The WHO also says that preventing further exposure to arsenic by avoiding water with high levels of arsenic isthe most important action affected communities can take. The file size is too big. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood. The knowledge and insight gained over those years guided both Trevor and Monique to careers in the health industry.Together, with a team of global industry leaders, they planted a seed and developed Nuzest. Clean Lean Protein represents the very highest quality of pea protein we can get anywhere in the world. Theres no scientific rationale. I can tell you with conviction that after poring over dozens of research studies, speaking to actual nutrition scientists, and reading all thehoopla about this topic online, theres a lot of misinformation out there right now! Companies that test for heavy metals in their protein powders include: Amazonia, Nuzest and Dr Axe. 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. Thats why fish andshellfish are most commonly associated with high mercury levels. Nuzest Nutrition For Life Kids Good Stuff Multivitamin Drink Mix Wild Strawberry Get Our 10 Most Popular Health Guides FREE. Some heavy metals (zinc, copper, and iron, for example) are considered trace minerals that are essential for biological function in animals. [3], Contaminated water used for drinking, food preparation and irrigation of food crops poses the greatest threat to human health from arsenic, according to the World Health Organization. Annoyingly most of these toxins are not listed on the label so you have to do the research yourself. Do I think theres value in knowing if BPA, pesticides, and unsafe levels of heavy metals are in your protein powder? Leadabsorption for adults is normally in the range of 5-10% ofdietary lead. Heres the simple formula: In a serving of Nuzests vanilla protein (varies a small amount based on flavor), there are 21 grams of protein and 100 calories. The Clean Label Project study is a brilliant piece of marketing, no doubt it just doesnt stand up to scientific scrutiny . Pure Food, like all plant-based protein powders, contains trace amounts of heavy metals. Dear Customers, welcome to our new website. Learn how to build lean muscle, burn fat, and improve gut health, immunity, and sleep naturally. Terms, Privacy, and Return Policy | Opt Out Preferences | Copyright Notice. [2] Arsenic can cause a number of human health effects at levels higher than this. Smokers have the highest exposure to cadmium with food being the highest source of cadmium for the non-smoking population. Ultimately, I think Nuzest tastes about as good as you can get for a protein shake, so I gave it the only perfect 25 of any powder so far. Your email address will not be published. Every batch of Clean Lean Protein is tested for safe microbial activity, allergenic substances, and heavy metals. That is why we have deliberately chosen pea protein and to source that protein from Europe. People can become exposed to lead through occupational and environmental sources. However, in this article we will focus on the four heavy metals most commonly found in protein powders: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. potatoes. [2]. Only a few other vegan protein powders that I tested can claim that. Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the Earths crust. Here are some examples of common foods that contain high amounts of lead: If your dinner this week contains just one of the foods above, youre ingesting more lead than you would in a serving of plant protein powder. However, because of the recent publicity surrounding BPA and consumer concern, we will be introducing a BPA testing regime to satisfy our customers. [23]. If they dont test for it I wouldnt risk it! Thaumatin is a low-calorie natural sweetener. ), Study results on the nonprofits website, Salmonella infections linked to peas sold at farmers markets in Wisconsin, Nearly 20,000 pounds of frozen pizza recalled over lack of federal inspection, CDC says 17-state Jif peanut butter Salmonella outbreak is over, Dole recalls Simply Nature and Marketside salad mixes over toxic nightshade, Publishers Platform: Come on Roanoke, you can do better against hepatitis A, Publishers Platform: Colonel Colon and his League of Fecal Fighters coming soon to help make your food safer. Thats why in this article, I want to separate the facts from myths regarding heavy metals in your plant protein powder and other foods. Experts currently use a reference level of 5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with blood lead levels that are much higher than most childrens levels. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. 100% plant protein made from European golden peas. With 0 grams of clumps, Nuzest gets a perfect mixability score of 25. Plugging in that data to the formula, and we get a price score of24.69 out of 25. Children absorb 4-5 times more than adults. If you do not have enough iron or other nutrients in your diet, you are likely to take up more cadmium from your food than usual. So I created a nutrition score that compares the percentage of calories that come from protein to the highest amount I found inanypowder (which was 90% of calories). [11], Safe daily levels of Cd intake should be kept below 30 ug per person per day, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition. This level, which is based on the FDAs assessment of a large body of scientific information, seeks to reduce infant exposure to inorganic arsenic. High Protein Milk Alternatives: Which Plant-Based Milk Has Most? It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Ive just finished reading several other pro / con articles about this heavy metal / protein powder discussion. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Nor is the environment (air, water, soil) contaminated in any other way. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here. But for anyone who wants to take probiotics with their protein powder, and wants to avoid unsafe levels of heavy metals this looks like a great product choice. 10. [5, 6]. In plain English, Nuzest has almost as much protein per calorie as youll find in any powder. Smooth Vanilla Clean Lean Protein Nuzest - Premium Vegan Protein Powder, Plant Based Protein. They are not linked to the method of production or whether or not pesticides or artificial fertilizers are used. Look for protein powders fortified with amino acids to promote healthy muscles, improved digestion, enhanced tissue repair, and increased energy levels. With that said, overexposure to heavy metal contaminants is a major public health concern, particularly in the developing world. I debated whether to score this 22 (like some of the other best ones), or a perfect 25. Why, exactly? Cadmium is also present in trace amounts in certain foods such as leafy vegetables, potatoes, cereals, grains and seeds, liver, and crustaceans and mollusks.