http://www.whtm.com/news/stories/0610/750263.html#commentsformConsumer Center - Whether you want to shed unwanted pounds, build muscles, or fight the aging process, some protein drinks tout that they're a scientifically advanced way to quickly achieve those goals. Muscle Milk's website says one of its products is "designed after one of nature's most balanced foods: human mother's milk."
But is that how you should get your protein? Consumer Reports conducted an investigation, including tests at an outside lab of 15 protein powders and drinks. Multiple samples of each were evaluated for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead.
The Consumer Reports investigation found that some of those drinks can pose health risks, including exposure to potentially harmful heavy metals if you drink them too frequently. ABC 27 Talkback:
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Three drinks were of particular concern: the EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shake and two Muscle Milk powders-the Vanilla Crème and the Chocolate. Consuming three servings a day could give you more arsenic, cadmium, or lead than health experts think is advisable. At high enough levels, all of those metals can have toxic effects on several organs in the body.
Federal regulations generally do not require that protein drinks and other dietary supplements be tested to ensure they're safe, effective, and free of contaminants.
Consumer Reports says a balanced diet is a better, less expensive way to meet your daily protein requirements, with foods like milk, eggs, and grilled chicken.
(Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on abc27.com.)
(Copyright © 2006-2010 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.)
