Latest news with #proteinpowder
Vogue
19 hours ago
- Health
- Vogue
I Stopped Drinking Protein Powder For These 3 Reasons
Eating sufficient protein is crucial to maintaining muscle mass, promoting feelings of fullness, and consistent energy levels throughout the day. In recent years, many people have taken to adding protein supplements—like protein powders and bars—to their diet, myself included. I go to the gym regularly and I take exercise seriously. Enjoying a protein shake after my workout became something of a ritual. However, about a year after I began drinking protein shakes regularly, I noticed some physical changes and persistent discomfort. At first, I didn't realize that it was due to all the extra protein in my diet; it was only once I started looking into molecular nutrition (more on this later) that I realised protein powder could be behind my bloating and digestive distress. As it turned out, as soon as I stopped consuming protein powder, my symptoms went away. So, what happened? Let's take a look at why such an essential part of the diet had gone slightly awry when added to mine. Protein powder can be difficult to digest Protein powder contains especially high concentrations of protein. This can make them a more efficient way to consume protein, but also make them more difficult to digest. 'It's relatively common to experience digestive discomfort after consuming certain protein powders or highly processed protein bars. In fact, it's something I hear all the time from clients,' registered nutritionist and author of The Hormone Balance Handbook Jessica Shand explains. 'It can be due to several factors: poor quality protein sources (like low-grade whey or soy isolates), added sugars or sugar alcohols, synthetic flavorings, and gums or thickeners that can irritate the gut lining. 'Many powders also contain dairy-based proteins like whey or casein, which can be problematic for those with even mild lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity. Additionally, protein in high doses—especially in a liquid form—can be harder to digest if someone has compromised digestive function or low stomach acid.' Stomach acid is crucial for the body to be able to digest protein, but some of us tend to have particularly low levels of it, leading to discomfort and digestive distress. Stress and busy routines have been shown to reduce the level of stomach acid we produce, which makes it even harder to digest protein powder. It's important to remember that the amount of protein we consume does not always equal the amount that we can absorb. Too much protein powder can cause an upset stomach My biggest issue with protein powder was bloating and a regular upset stomach. This can happen when proteins that haven't been fully digested sit in the stomach and begin to produce gas. When protein is properly digested, it's converted into amino acids and peptides, whereas undigested proteins can alter the intestinal environment. I had to come to terms with the fact that consuming more protein than my body could digest was counterproductive to my goals and, essentially, to feeling good. Welp. Some protein powders contain additives and artificial sweeteners Because of the wide range of flavors available, some protein powders rely on artificial sweeteners to make them as delicious as possible. My favorite protein powder came in both a strawberry and a chocolate flavor. However, the additives and artificial sweeteners were disrupting my gut microbiome to the point of causing severe hay fever and other allergies. Some powders contain aspartame or acesulfame potassium (also known as acesulfame K), which, one 2022 study suggested, may be linked to a greater cancer risk (although other studies have not found this). It's always worth it to check the labels.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shocking reason your protein powder could be TOXIC
Protein powders have become a wellness staple - the go-to answer for everything from building muscle to 'getting enough protein.' But despite their popularity, these powdered supplements may not be as healthy or safe as we think. In fact, one medical expert says they could be doing more harm than good - and in some cases, manufacturers don't even know what's in them. 'I can tell you for a fact that advertised vs. actual amounts varied wildly,' Dr. Khameinei Ali, an MD who also happens to be an MBA (Cambridge), MPH (Harvard), President of the Westchester County Medical Society, and a board certified clinical informaticist, told Before medical school, he even worked as an analytical chemist for the Department of Defense, analyzing over-the-counter supplements for accuracy. His biggest concern? That protein powder labels aren't telling the full story - and the regulations in place aren't strong enough to protect consumers. 'The main issue with protein powders is that we don't know what's in them or if they contain the advertised amounts,' Dr. Ali said. 'Most importantly, the manufacturers may not know what's in them.' Unlike prescription medications or even standard food products, protein powders fall into a legal gray zone. Dr. Ali explained that these protein powders are regulated mostly by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and only partly by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Plus, they get inspected under much less stringent standards than food and drugs. 'This opens them up to all sorts of misleading labeling and extremely poor industry standards,' Dr. Ali said. Translation: That expensive, vanilla-flavored powder you picked up because it said 'clean' or 'lab-tested'? There's a good chance it was neither. 'There is very little to any independent laboratory verification of contents and authenticity of claims,' he added. 'Unfortunately, that means they could contain all sorts of toxic chemicals and byproducts.' Beyond the risk of inaccurate protein counts, powders derived from whey, soy, or hemp often include extra ingredients you probably didn't sign up for. 'These powders… frequently contain hidden additives, added sugars, and even toxins like heavy metals and BPA - up to 25 times the safe limit according to independent tests,' he said. This raises concerns about long-term safety. If that sounds terrifying, it's because it is - and the lax oversight doesn't help. 'Again, the FDA doesn't regulate them closely, leaving consumers in the dark about what's really in each scoop,' he emphasized. In most cases, it's probably a good idea to ditch the protein powder - especially if you're generally healthy and using protein powder to meet vague fitness goals. The expert advises against using them unless a medical professional tells you to. 'Unless medically supervised - such as for post-surgical healing, cancer recovery, or advanced frailty - I advise sticking to whole food sources like eggs, dairy, legumes, and lean meats in most cases,' Dr. Ali said. And if you have underlying conditions, like kidney disease, the stakes are even higher. 'Toxins aside, people with kidney disease have to monitor their protein intake to prevent further damage,' he said. Until tighter regulations are in place and independent testing becomes standard, your safest bet is to stick with real food. Whole eggs and chicken breast may not come in chocolate flavor, but at least you know what's in them.
Vogue
26-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Supercharge Your Day With the Best Whey Protein Powder
If you're already working on upping your protein intake, you've likely spent some time searching for the best whey protein powder. That's because whey protein is one of the highest quality forms of protein available, says vice president of nutrition research for the National Dairy Council Matthew Pikosky, PhD, RDN. 'It has significant health benefits and is a great tool for anyone looking to add higher levels of protein in their diets,' he adds. Vogue's Favorite Whey Protein Powders: Some of those benefits include supporting weight loss, building muscle mass, improving bone health, and enhancing overall metabolic functions. 'According to a 2019 review, whey protein may have beneficial effects on metabolic measures like waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar,' says Pikosky. 'It can help regulate your appetite, reduce cravings, and boost energy levels.' The benefits of whey protein powder are many—we asked the experts to lay out everything you need to know about whey protein powder to help narrow down our list to the seven best whey protein powders on the market. In This Article: Best Overall: Puori Whey Protein Powder Puori Whey Protein Powder $69 AMAZON Why We Love It: Ingredient transparency is of the utmost importance for Puori, and the reason why it's earned the top spot for the best whey protein powders. The Clean Label Project published a report on heavy metals in protein powders and found that when it comes to protein powder, vanilla, unflavored, whey, or egg-based protein powders generally test lower for heavy metals than the average plant-based protein powders. (For reference, the study found that 28% of whey protein powders tested above California's Prop 65 safety limits for lead). Puori's Whey Protein Powder not only has the Clean Label Project Certified stamp of approval, it's also pesticide-free, hormone free, antibiotics free, and non-GMO (and as an added bonus, vanilla flavored). Plus, they publish their test results on their website so consumers can see it in full detail.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Best Protein Powders Of 2025: Lab Tested And Nutrition Expert Approved
Protein powders, which are mainstays in supermarket supplement aisles, provide a hefty hit of protein in just a few scoops. This extra protein may offer myriad health benefits, ranging from enhanced muscle mass to weight management. But not all protein powders are created equal, and some may contain fillers, additives and even contaminants, such as heavy metals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't validate the safety of protein powders before they hit store shelves, so it's up to consumers to find an effective—and safe—product. To assist in your search, the Forbes Health editorial team has highlighted the top protein powders of 2025 based on expert recommendations, ingredient lists, cost per serving, lab testing and more. We sent each featured protein powder to a third-party laboratory to test for contaminants like heavy metals, as well as label accuracy, ensuring the products meet quality standards. Read on for our top picks. When reviewing protein powders, including the results of the third-party laboratory certificates of analysis (COAs) generated by Labdoor, it's important to clarify several key terms: Note: Forbes Health submitted specific batches of each protein powder to Labdoor for testing, and batch results may vary. Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons To determine the best protein powders of 2025, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted four accredited nutrition experts, who provided their product recommendations. Star ratings were then determined solely by the editorial team, factoring in data points like cost, protein per serving, nutritional profile, number of expert recommendations, flavor availability and third-party laboratory test results. The breakdown of each data point is as follows: Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology. Forbes Health facilitated independent, third-party laboratory testing for the top protein powders on our ranking through Labdoor in California. The laboratory was selected to evaluate protein powder quality due to its strict standards and commitment to consumer safety. Lab technicians tested and evaluated our top protein powders on the following metrics, according to Labdoor: Labdoor generated COAs for each top-ranking protein powder based on these testing results, detailing specific labeling accuracy and purity claims, as well as any indication of potentially harmful contaminants. The Forbes Health editorial team carefully examined each laboratory-provided COA. Protein powders are popular supplements featuring processed protein, designed to increase protein intake and enhance performance, recovery and muscle mass, among other benefits. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, tissue, bone, skin and hair. This macronutrient contains 20 amino acids, nine of which are considered essential, meaning they must be obtained through diet, as the body cannot create them on its own. 'Protein plays an important role in multiple bodily functions including muscle repair, hormone production, boosting our immune system and overall metabolism,' explains Brittany Werner, registered dietitian nutritionist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. 'Supplemental protein can be beneficial when someone is struggling to meet their protein requirements through whole foods.' 'Adequate daily protein intake aids in recovery, muscle repair and growth and helps keep us full and satisfied between meals,' she adds. There are several types of protein powders, each categorized by protein source and processing style. Additionally, protein powders can be categorized as concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate, which is based on the concentration and the processing of the protein. With concentrate products, processing of the protein removes water, ash, lactose and some minerals. Meanwhile, isolate products provide the highest concentration of protein (90% or higher), and processing removes significant amounts of fat and lactose. Hydrolysate is often considered the predigested form of protein and may allow for easier and faster absorption, as it's already broken down into peptides. 'Whey protein, especially whey isolate, is often considered superior due to its rapid digestion, high leucine content and strong support for muscle protein synthesis,' adds Jose Antonio, Ph.D., the chief executive officer and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. 'Casein, a slower-digesting protein, is ideal for prolonged amino acid release. Plant-based proteins like pea, soy and rice can also be effective, especially when combined to provide a complete amino acid profile,' he summarizes. Protein powder instructions often advise mixing one or two scoops of the dry powder in with a beverage of your choice. 'While both pre- and post-workout consumption can be beneficial, the timing of intake is much less important than the total daily intake,' says Dr. Antonio. Indeed, research on when to take protein powder is conflicting. One 2023 meta-analysis notes that while some studies show consuming protein after a workout leads to greater benefits of increasing protein synthesis and muscle growth, others have found taking protein before resistance exercise offers more benefits, as it replenishes amino acids and increases protein synthesis before the workout begins[1]. 'The body will utilize supplemental protein no matter what time of day it's consumed,' notes Werner. 'If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid drinking a protein shake within 60 minutes of starting an intense workout. Consuming protein after your workout will help with recovery and muscle repair.' While often touted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, many people can benefit from protein powder. 'Protein powder supplementation is beneficial for individuals who struggle to meet their daily protein needs through whole foods alone,' says Dr. Antonio. 'This includes athletes, bodybuilders, older adults, individuals recovering from injuries and those following plant-based diets with limited protein sources.' Additionally, 'protein supplementation can be particularly useful when aiming for muscle gain, weight loss or convenience in a busy lifestyle,' he adds. Research suggests protein powder supplementation may enhance muscle mass and performance, as well as manage weight. '[Protein powder] can improve body composition by enhancing lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss, particularly when paired with resistance training,' notes Dr. Antonio. Additionally, research suggests protein powder supplementation may improve aerobic capacity, positively affect metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors and even provide better glycemic control in people with diabetes. Protein powder may help with weight loss, according to research. One 2022 systematic review that examined the effect of whey protein on weight, body fat, lean body mass, fat-free mass and waist circumference found that evidence supports the use of whey protein to improve body composition, particularly when paired with resistance training and a reduction in calorie consumption[2]. 'The macronutrient protein helps support a calorie deficit by helping to keep us full and satisfied between meals,' explains Werner. 'Protein also aids in preserving our lean muscle mass while in a deficit, allowing our body to prioritize burning body fat.' Indeed, research links high-protein diets to an increase in satiety and a decrease in body weight and fat mass[3]. If you're using protein powder for weight management purposes, Werner recommends opting for whey or casein varieties. 'Whey protein is typically lower in carbohydrates and overall calories, making it a great option for those eating in a calorie deficit,' she says. 'Casein protein offers a slower release and will help keep you full for longer periods.' Researchers note complications related to protein powder supplements include undigested protein and impaired gut health, which may lead to symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, dehydration and decreased appetite. Meanwhile, protein powders may not be suitable for everyone. 'There are a few groups that may need to avoid protein supplements,' says Werner. 'Those with chronic kidney disease should discuss their protein intake with their medical provider. Anyone with severe allergies or intolerances should be diligent about label reading to avoid any potential issues.' Despite the numerous health benefits associated with protein powders, the quality of these products varies widely. Research notes that some protein powder supplements may have detectable levels of heavy metals (though it's worth noting a 2020 analysis in Toxicology Reports found that typical intake would not result in adverse health effects due to heavy metals[4]). 'You always want to choose brands that have been third-party tested for quality,' says Werner. 'NSF Certified and Informed Choice are two very reputable testing corporations.' When selecting a protein powder, experts recommend taking the following factors into consideration: It's important to be skeptical of marketing claims that sound too good to be true. Be wary of products that offer quick fixes, as protein powders are not a magic bullet for health and wellness. 'While protein supplements are a great way to add to your overall protein intake, it's important to remember they are supplements meant to add to your balanced diet,' advises Werner. 'Consumers should also beware of flashy marketing claims such as 'fat-burning' or 'metabolism boosting.' Often, these products are traditional whey protein with added ingredients, such as stimulants or fillers.' As noted above, a high-quality protein powder can provide an array of health benefits, ranging from enhanced muscle mass to weight management. 'Whey protein is often recommended for beginners as it's typically well-tolerated and provides all the amino acids, making it a complete protein replacement,' says Werner. Dr. Antonio agrees, adding, 'beginners should consider whey protein for its high bioavailability and muscle recovery benefits.' The recommended daily allowance for protein is currently 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for adults 18 and older. However, the exact amount of protein you may need varies based on factors such as sex, age, weight and whether you're pregnant or lactating.
