Risks from protein powders

A new report issued by Consumer Reports indicates that some protein powders on the market may contain high levels of toxins and chemicals. This story needs to be analysed and given some clarification.

First, it might be true that protein powders made from an animal source could potentially contain high levels of heavy metal that would pose a health risk. But the ones that were found to have high levels were brands that came from the USA. Canada has very tight inspection and testing measures in place to prevent this.

Second, animal sourced protein powders always risk having higher levels of additives compared to plant based sources. There is a major difference between the amount of chemicals and drugs used in raising animals to those used in plants. You will always get a "cleaner" product from plant than an animal source. Good protein powder alternatives are hemp, rice and pea protein which provide you with your proper protein intake for the day.

The only exception to this is a newer protein powder that is sourced from New Zealand. It comes from cows but the producers have guaranteed that it does not contain any hormones, chemical or heavy metals because the cows are raised in a very controlled or "organic" environment. They are marketing this as the "cleanest" protein available on the market. So far, all the tests have come back clean.

Finally, if you drink protein shakes as part of you nutritional goal make sure you consult with a Nutritionist or Dietician. Sales clerks at stores where protein powders are sold may not know the full risks associated with nutritional supplements and how they might affect a person. For example, no one should be consuming more than 3 shakes a day. The body still needs whole foods to function properly. If you just consumed shakes all day it would be too much for the body to handle. Remember - everything in moderation. If you do too much of anything there will always be a negative side to it.



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Thrive Nutrition carries both the New Zealand protein powder and the plant based proteins. Come down and see which one best suits your needs.