Citizens Protein Project Reveals Alarming Insights on Protein Supplements in India: Origin’s Vegan Protein Stands Out as the Best
A recent independent study published in the peer-reviewed journal “Medicine”, covered by “The Print” has shed light on the quality and accuracy of popular protein supplements sold in India. Led by Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips and Paras Chopra, the study analysed 36 protein supplements, revealing alarming findings about mislabelling and contamination.
Here’s a summary of the results of the study:
Key Findings of the Study:
Mislabeling:
- 70% of analysed protein supplements were mislabeled.
- Inaccurate protein information and contaminants found in blends, plant-based, and whey-based formulations.
- Nine products had significantly lower protein content than advertised, with deficits ranging from <10% to >50%.
- Some brands contained more protein than labelled, suggesting “protein/amino-spiking.”
Toxins:
- 14% of supplements contained toxins, posing serious health risks to consumers.
Heavy Metals:
- Lead and arsenic were present in many major formulations.
Other Contaminants:
- Various potentially toxic compounds, including industrial solvents and volatile organic compounds, were found in the supplements.
➡️Origin Nutrition was ranked the “Best Vegan Protein.” Want to know why? Keep reading to discover why we clinched the top spot!
Why Origin’s Protein Powder Was Hailed as the Best Vegan Supplement:
- Transparent Approach:
At the core of Origin’s ethos lies the ‘Clean Please’ philosophy—a relentless commitment to purity, safety, and effectiveness. Every aspect of Origin’s production process, from inception to consumption, is meticulously curated to adhere to the highest standards. Transparency is paramount as Origin traces its ingredients from lush fields to consumers’ hands, with quality control measures embedded at every step. Team Origin takes pride in owning and operating its manufacturing unit, where quality isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life.
- Ensuring Quality and Safety:
Origin proudly embraces the INFORMED choice certification—a meticulous testing program that serves as a beacon of assurance for sports supplements. Every batch of Origin Daily Vegan Protein bears the esteemed mark of Informed Choice, symbolizing the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Through this certification, consumers can trust that every scoop of Origin protein embodies the gold standard of safety and quality. Informed Choice UK tests random samples, and regular tests for heavy metals and toxins are conducted to ensure product integrity.
- Clean Sourcing:
Origin spares no expense in sourcing the finest European golden peas, a statement of dedication to clean nutrition. These golden peas undergo a transformative journey from farms to a state-of-the-art processing facility in Belgium. This global collaboration underscores Origin’s unwavering pursuit of nutritional superiority, ensuring that every sip of Origin Daily Vegan Protein is a testame
The study employed rigorous methods, outlined as follows:
Product Procurement and Preparation:
- Conducted an extensive review of online and local stores over two months to compile a list of popular protein supplements.
- Purchased products directly from authorized dealers, maintaining confidentiality to prevent brand influence.
- Authenticated products using QR codes and prepared a master chart with product details.
- Sent sealed and coded products to an independent testing laboratory for analysis.
Blinded Product Analyses:
- Analyzed 36 protein supplements for total protein content, aflatoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, steroids, and organic and inorganic contents.
- Implemented quality control measures in accordance with industry and government regulations.
Ethical Approval:
- Not required as the study did not involve human participants.
Adherence to Regulatory Standards:
- Followed all relevant regulatory standards and guidelines for product testing, particularly regarding food and drug safety.
Now let us break down the study for you: The study focussed on 6 analysis namely:
Protein Content Analysis:
- 9 products had less than 40% detected protein content.
- 25 supplements (69.4%) were mislabeled in protein content, with deficits ranging from <10% to >50%.
- Some brands had more protein than labeled, indicating either high-quality protein sources or potential “protein or amino spiking” with cheaper components like glycine and taurine.
Fungal Toxin Analysis – Aflatoxin Analysis
- 5 out of 36 (13.9%) samples were contaminated with aflatoxins.
- Out of the 5, 2 products had very high aflatoxin levels (above 10 μg/kg)
Pesticide Residue Analysis:
- 3 samples (8.3%) showed contamination with trace amounts of pesticide residues.
- One product contained fenobucarb (0.061 mg/kg), another contained thiamethoxam (0.017 mg/kg), and the third product was contaminated with azoxystrobin (0.022 mg/kg) and dimethomorph (0.013 mg/kg).
Heavy Metal Analysis:
- None of the protein powders contained mercury or thallium.
- Arsenic was detected in 5 samples (13.9%).
- Cadmium was found in 10 samples (27.8%).
- Lead was present in 27 samples (75%).
- Copper was detected in 34 samples (94.4%), with varying levels (1.49 mg/kg to 30.61 mg/kg), exceeding the recommended daily intake of 900 μg/day for adults.
Steroids Analysis:
- No synthetic steroids or hormonal agents found in any products.
- GC-MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) analysis showed a wide variety of components in different protein supplements.
- The GC-MS analysis revealed a wide range of components present in the protein supplements,
- All significant components identified having a match factor of over 70% for steroid presence.
Complete organic and inorganic components Analysis:
- GC-MS scan identified multiple organic and inorganic compounds.
- Most detected compounds included cycloheptatriene, spiroheptadiene, and acetone.
- Other commonly found compounds were acetic acid, dichloromethane, ammonium acetate, toluene, and trichloromethane.
- Isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen isocyanate were also present in many products.
- Analysis also showed various industrial solvents like alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and esters.
The complete analytical output featuring all significant (>70% match factor) identified components in the protein formulations is shown in- https://links.lww.com/MD/M107 – Vegan Protein is a testament to excellence.
The Way Forward : What should you do to ensure you’re choosing the right protein?
- Trusting in Quality Brands:
Amidst recent revelations regarding protein supplements, such as mislabeling and contamination, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of reputable products. Protein supplements remain essential for sustaining health and fitness, and there are trusted brands like Origin that provide a dependable solution.
- Making Informed Decisions:
Don’t allow misinformation to sway your decisions when it comes to your well-being. Despite challenges in the industry, it’s imperative to prioritize quality and safety. By choosing brands like Origin, you can make informed choices that align with your health goals.
- Third-Party Certifications:
Third-party verification is essential when choosing a protein supplement. When a product is tested by a third party, this ensures that it is impartially verified and the contents & nutritional claimed are accurate. Eg: Informed Choice UK Certification for Origin Nutrition.
Origin Nutrition: Your Trusted Choice for Vegan Protein
At Origin, we take pride in being a symbol of trust and excellence in the world of vegan protein supplements. Our unwavering commitment to purity, safety, and quality makes us a reliable option for those seeking optimal nutrition and fitness support.
Certified Excellence:
We undergo independent testing, and our products are certified by esteemed third-party organizations, including Informed Choice UK, FSSAI, GMP, and ISO. These certifications ensure that our products have undergone rigorous testing and meet the highest quality standards, giving you peace of mind about the quality of your daily vegan protein.
Delicious Variety:
Enjoy quality and taste with our wide range of flavours, ranging from Unflavoured to Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee Caramel, Mango, and Strawberry.
Explore our flavours here: https://originnutrition.in/product-category/daily-plant-proteins/
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