In the July issue of Consumer Reports a feeble attempt is made to discredit all whey-based protein drinks.  Their opinion piece is worth responding to as it seeks to denigrate one of the finest quality food sources in the American food supply.

For their report they purchased multiple samples of 15 different protein drink products and tested them for toxic metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury).  Their portion size tested was three times the recommended serving size, based on the idea that some people may consume that much.  Three of the products were just slightly over their idea of a safe limit, the rest were fine.  The products over the limit contained many junk ingredients including artificial sweeteners, junk vitamins, and junk forms of whey and milk protein.  I realize there are uninformed individuals that will consume such products, but any health-savvy individual would have already avoided these products based on the obvious garbage they contain.  Such tests cannot possibly determine which additives or components in the product have the slight elevations of toxic compounds.  No product that was just whey protein isolate “failed” their test.

As an aside it is worth pointing out that all farm soil in the US, even organically grown crop soil, contains some levels of toxic air and water pollution.  This means that no food is completely free of toxins.  While some foods are clearly worse than others, our lax government standards have created an environmental catastrophe that effects the food supply in general.

The Consumer Reports test results were accompanied by an opinion piece based on interviews with “experts” stating that “most people already get enough protein, and there are far better and cheaper ways to add more if it’s needed.”  No actual science is given to support their opinions, as that is all they are.  While I am all in favor of eating a wide variety of high quality protein foods, fine quality whey protein isolate is clearly one of the top protein food options for anyone.  In fact, due to the extensive testing standards explained below, our fine quality whey protein may be one of the safest sources of protein you can consume.  If Consumer Reports has actual evidence that there are far better and cheaper forms of protein then they should show the science to support their claims.  And since they are not able to do that I am more than comfortable stating that their claims are fictitious – which casts doubt on the integrity of their entire operation.

On the other hand, whey protein isolate is supported by a tremendous body of science showing that it is a superior form of protein and can significantly enhance metabolism.  And it is quite clear that many overweight people need higher protein intake.  I have reviewed this information in my feature article, How Protein Helps Weight Loss, as well as specific science in the articles listed at the end of this posting.

The quality issue for any dietary supplement is always important.  When I purchase nutrient raw materials there are many quality options.  You can rest assured that when a manufacturer places all sorts of bizarre and synthetic compounds into a product to make it taste “good” they are covering up the poor taste of low-quality raw materials and cutting corners – your health is not their priority.

At Wellness Resources we use only the finest grade raw materials, including our whey protein, which you can even buy completely plain so you can taste how clean and good a true quality whey protein isolate actually is.  This whey protein raw material is produced in a state-of-the-art facility using the highest grade filtration technology available.  It is tested for microbial content, pesticides, aflotoxin, as well as the toxic metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic).  3rd parties are routinely used for independent analysis and all state, USDA, and FDA guidelines are strictly complied to.  You do not get a toxic or dangerous dose of anything when you use our industry-leading whey protein.  Indeed, you get one of the finest quality protein food sources you could find anywhere.  Your health is always our top priority.