A growing number of companies are accused of selling workout supplements spiked with cheap fillers that they’re passing off as protein, including MusclePharm, the multi-million dollar company endorsed by Arnold Schwartzeneggar.
(Source: Forbes.com, Alex Morrell; Photo: @kellysikkema)
Read: Lawsuits Say Protein Powders Lack Protein, Ripping Off Athletes
Is Your Protein Product Spiked? No Whey!
Here’s something to think about… Is the protein in your supplement spiked? No Whey? No Way! Realistically, chances are, it could be. Learn more about this controversy, and how to protect yourself as the consumer.
(Source: naturalproductinsider.com, Jacqueline Kuler; Photo: @HowToGym)
The FDA and Adulterated Supplements - Dereliction of Duty
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, amino acids, and glandular extracts sold as dietary supplements in the United States. While the FDA does not assess the safety of supplements prior to market, the agency is tasked with identifying and removing adulterated and hazardous supplements from the marketplace.
(Source: jamanetwork.com, Pieter A. Cohen, MD; Photo: Derick McKinney (@derickray))
Read: The FDA and Adulterated Supplements - Dereliction of Duty
DNA testing reveals ‘widespread adulteration’ of herbal products
Fresh research utilizing DNA testing technology has highlighted ‘widespread’ global adulteration in herbal products, with almost one-third of items tested found to be fake.
(Source: foodnavigator.com, Katy Askew; Photo: @v2osk)
Read: DNA testing reveals ‘widespread adulteration’ of herbal products
Federal officials seize adulterated dietary supplements from Life Rising Corporation due to poor manufacturing practices
“This seizure underscores the agency’s commitment to taking aggressive action when manufacturers distribute adulterated dietary supplements that have the potential to put consumers at risk.”
-Melinda K. Plaisier, the FDA’s Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs.
(Source: fda.gov, FDA News Release, June 14, 2019; Photo: @freestocks)
Nitrogen Spiking: Is Your Protein Powder Giving You What You Paid For?
Nitrogen spiking - also known as “protein spiking” or “amino spiking” - is a technique that allows supplement companies to put less protein in their product than is supposedly listed on their nutritional label.
(Source: boxlifemagazine.com, William Imbo; Photo: @freestocks)
Read: Nitrogen Spiking: Is Your Protein Powder Giving You What You Paid For?
Amino Spiking: What It Is And How To Spot It In A Protein Powder
If you see amino acids like glycine, glutamine, arginine, and creatine in the other ingredients section of a supplement facts panel, it's more than likely been amino spiked.
(Source: endurelite.com, Matt Mosman, MS, CISSN, CSCS; Photo: @emilianovittoriosi)
Read: Amino Spiking: What It Is And How To Spot It In A Protein Powder
Fraud in herbs and spices hasn’t vanished
Over six years ago, the Institute for Global Food Security became very interested in the amount of fraud linked to herbs and spices. This was spurred on from tip off I received from an insider in the murky world of herb and spice trading.
(Source: newfoodmagazine.com, Chris Elliott; Photo: Max-Jakob Beer @beerphotography)
Should You Use Collagen Supplements?
Collagen is found throughout our bodies, but we lose more of it over time. Should you use supplements to rejuvenate it?
(Source: health.usnews.com, Vanessa Caceres; Photo: MrBig_Photography)
The Analyst’s Take: Global supplement sales pass $150B in 2020
Despite the global pandemic, supplement sales continue to soar into the billions.
(Source: naturalproductsinsider.com, Claire Morton Reynolds; Image: Kentoh)
Read: The Analyst’s Take: Global supplement sales pass $150B in 2020
What's next for the dietary supplement industry?
“This market has seen increases in adulterated products marketed by bad actors. For instance, 965 of the products tested by the Food and Drug Administration from 2007 to 2019 were identified to include potentially hazardous substances or hidden ingredients. This level of adulteration poses significant risks for consumers and is at odds with the practices of industry’s responsible participants.”
(Source: drugstorenews.com, Christine Burdick-Bell, DSQC)