Dr. Abby Philips, acclaimed as the Liver Doctor on social media, spearheaded research investigating the safety of protein supplements. Conducted under the project name "Citizens Protein Project," the study received private funding from Mr. Paras Chopra, amounting to approximately 8 lakh rupees. Published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, the research offers vital insights into the quality and potential risks associated with protein supplements available in the Indian market.

The study found that many of the supplements tested did not contain the amount of protein advertised on the label. In some cases, the protein content was significantly lower than what was claimed. The researchers also found evidence of contamination with fungal toxins, pesticide residues, and heavy metals in some of the supplements. Additionally, some protein supplements contain ingredients that are known to be harmful to the liver, such as green tea extract and Ashwagandha.

The findings of this study are concerning, as protein supplements are widely used by athletes, bodybuilders, and people who are trying to lose weight. These supplements are often seen as a healthy way to increase protein intake, but the new study suggests that they may not be as safe as many people believe.

Key Findings of the Study

Mislabeled Protein Content: The majority (69.4%) of the protein supplements tested did not contain the amount of protein advertised on the label. In some cases, the protein content was up to 50% lower than what was claimed.

Possible Protein Spiking: Some protein supplements were found to contain more protein than what was listed on the label. This could be a sign of "protein spiking," which is the practice of adding cheaper protein sources, such as amino acids like glycine and taurine to a product to make it appear to have a higher protein content. These amino acids are often much cheaper than complete proteins found in whey or soy protein isolate, but they are not as effective at building muscle or promoting satiety.

Fungal Toxins: Five out of 36 samples (13.9%) were found to be contaminated with aflatoxins, which are fungal toxins that can cause liver damage. Aflatoxins were most commonly found in plant-based protein supplements.

Pesticide Residues: Three out of 36 samples (8.3%) were found to contain trace amounts of pesticide residues. Pesticide residues were only found in plant-based protein supplements.

Heavy Metals: Trace levels of arsenic were detected in 5 (13.9%) of the samples, cadmium in 10 (27.8%), lead in 27 (75%), and copper in 34 (94.4%) samples. The presence of lead and arsenic in protein supplements is a particular concern, as these metals can accumulate in the body and cause serious health problems.

Hepatotoxic Herbs: Some protein supplements were found to contain ingredients that are known to be harmful to the liver, such as green tea extract, Ashwagandha, and Garcinia Cambogia.

Here is a summary for protein users which comments on the protein brands tested:

➡️Best whey - One Science & Ultimate Nutrition

➡️Best medium-range whey - Nutrabox

➡️Best vegan protein - Origin

➡️Worst whey brand - Big Muscles

➡️Worst plant-based - Amway

➡️Worst brands advertised as best - Protinex/Ensure/B-protin

➡️Worst protein content - B-Protin, Ensure Plus, Bakson's Protein & Vegan by Big Muscles

➡️Brands that need extreme caution - Protein by Elements/Nutrilite by Amway [fungal toxins]

➡️Herbal blended proteins have more contaminants/pesticides than non-herbal

Risk to Consumers

The findings of this study suggest that many protein supplements sold in India may not be safe for consumers. The presence of contaminants, such as fungal toxins, pesticide residues, and heavy metals, could pose a serious health risk. Additionally, the use of protein supplements containing hepatotoxic herbs could lead to liver damage.

Limitations of the Study

The study authors acknowledge that there are some limitations to their study. For example, the study was relatively small, and more research is needed to confirm the findings. Additionally, the researchers were not able to quantify all of the compounds that were identified in the protein supplements.

Need for More Regulation

The findings of this study highlight the need for more stringent regulation of the protein supplement industry in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for regulating the safety and quality of food products in India, but the current regulations do not appear to be adequate to ensure the safety of protein supplements.

Conclusion

The new study raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of popular protein supplements sold in India. More research is needed to confirm the findings of this study, but the results suggest that many protein supplements may not be as safe as consumers believe. The Indian government needs to take steps to improve the regulation of the protein supplement industry in order to protect consumers from the potential health risks associated with these products.

Reference:

https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/04050/citizens_protein_project__a_self_funded,.15

By Krisha Shah

_MSM