Wellness Tip (7/16/10)
by Tim Crytser
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Chugging protein drinks to build muscle? A Consumer Reports test shows some shakes contain high levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead.
Protein drinks aren’t only for the Lance Armstrongs and Tom Bradys of the world anymore. According to a 2005 study in the journal Pediatrics, teenagers use them more than any other supplement. The problem: Consumer Reports recently tested 15 popular drinks and powders and found potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals in several of the products. According to their report, drinking two or more of EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shakes, Muscle Milk Chocolate powders or Muscle Milk Vanilla Crème powders a day could put a person over their maximum daily limit. What’s more, eight of the 15 products tested contained enough lead in a single serving to require a warning label in the state of California. The reason they don’t: These products, like all vitamins and supplements, are not regulated or tested by the FDA. According to independent testing lab ConsumerLab.com, one in four dietary supplements have “quality problems.” If you choose to take supplements, look for ones that are USP-verified. That means they’ve voluntarily submitted to tests for potency and purity. And remember, dietary supplements are meant to be just that: supplements. You might not be able to get all of your vitamins and minerals from your diet, but strive to come as close as possible
Protein drinks aren’t only for the Lance Armstrongs and Tom Bradys of the world anymore. According to a 2005 study in the journal Pediatrics, teenagers use them more than any other supplement. The problem: Consumer Reports recently tested 15 popular drinks and powders and found potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals in several of the products. According to their report, drinking two or more of EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shakes, Muscle Milk Chocolate powders or Muscle Milk Vanilla Crème powders a day could put a person over their maximum daily limit. What’s more, eight of the 15 products tested contained enough lead in a single serving to require a warning label in the state of California. The reason they don’t: These products, like all vitamins and supplements, are not regulated or tested by the FDA. According to independent testing lab ConsumerLab.com, one in four dietary supplements have “quality problems.” If you choose to take supplements, look for ones that are USP-verified. That means they’ve voluntarily submitted to tests for potency and purity. And remember, dietary supplements are meant to be just that: supplements. You might not be able to get all of your vitamins and minerals from your diet, but strive to come as close as possible
That's it for now, until next time, good luck with your training and remember, if you have a question, log on to the Virtual Trainer Expert Forum and have your question answered by a panel of experts. In addition, be sure and check out the Racer X Virtual Trainer archive section. Your complete one-stop information zone for motocross fitness. 
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forget this article, u jus talking about some of the worst protein shakes out there an trying to scare teens away from protein shakes. u need protein shakes becuz u cant get all ur protein for food. so take ur right amount an at the right times and the right protein 100% whey an 100% casin. Im 15 an at 6% bodyfat 140 pds. an goin to lorettas. because i do my workouts the right wat a take my protein the right way.
i use optimum nutriution. note: take ur fish oil, mutivitams to kids
Rick - While I appreciate your input I have to disagree. First, you can definitely get all of your required protein through proper diet. Second, I am not trying to scare teens away from protein drinks. What would be my motivation for that? I am merely trying to educate and supply credible information. And third, if you want to be taken seriously, use the spell checker. I'll be at Lorettas...come by and say high!