ConsumerLab.com finds quality of most nutrition powders and drinks high, but identifies five protein powders with excess sodium or cholesterol

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  Nov, 2005  

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ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of nutrition powders, shakes and drinks. These products are used for general nutrition, dieting, and meal-replacement and are frequently used by athletes and bodybuilders. All products in the report met their claims for protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, five protein powders exceeded their labeled amounts of sodium or cholesterol. One product, for example, contained an extra 143 mg of sodium per serving, 51% more than claimed, delivering a total of 423 mg--about 30% of suggested daily intake of sodium for adults.

"These products are particularly popular among active individuals whom, research shows, often need more protein," said Daniel Fabricant, Assistant Director of Research at ConsumerLab.com and an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. "Before these products existed, getting more protein meant eating more meat--increasing saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet, or combining large servings of incomplete proteins from legumes and grains--increasing carbohydrate and calorie intake. These products are often a better and more convenient alternative to boosting protein intake. Our new test results and information can help guide people through the range of choices now available."

Regarding the products that failed the testing, Tod Cooperman, MD, President of ConsumerLab.com noted that the additional amounts of sodium and cholesterol were, in themselves, not extremely large but that, "Most Americans need to limit their intakes of salt and cholesterol, not increase them." He pointed out that 95% of men and 75% of women in America already consume more sodium than recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.

The new report is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/nutdrinks.asp and provides results and comparisons for 37 products--16 selected by ConsumerLab.com and 21 that passed ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Included are products from Atkins Advantage, Body Fortress, Carb Watchers, Designer Whey Protein, EAS, GeniSoy, GNC, Herbalife, METRx, Muscletech, Naturade, Nature's Plus, Nestle, Now, Nutrilite, ON (Optimum Nutrition), Puritan's Pride, Slim-Fast, Solgar, Trim Advantage, US Nutrition, Vital Nutrients, Vitamin World, Worldwide Sports Nutrition, and Zone Perfect. The report also provides information regarding nutritional requirements and the relative pros and cons of protein obtained from whey, casein, and soy.

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Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerLab.com. Reviews soon to be released include omega-3 & 6 fatty acids (ALA and GLA from black current, borage, evening primrose, and flaxseed oils), supplements used for menopause (including isoflavones, progesterone cream, and black cohosh), chromium, weight loss supplements (including CLA and bitter orange), and magnesium. The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579.

ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com (www.pharmacychecker.com), an evaluator of online pharmacies. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. For group subscriptions or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerLab.com.

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
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