Can’t live without your protein powder? Study says majority sold in India are mislabeled; contain toxins, pesticides

These findings raise serious concerns about the quality and safety of protein powders readily available in the Indian market, which is estimated to be worth a whopping ₹33,028.5 crores, according to research by the IMARC Group in 2023.

For those unfamiliar, protein powders are concentrated extracts from protein-rich foods. Bodybuilders and athletes often use them to boost their protein intake. They are also marketed as dietary supplements for those seeking a convenient way to increase protein consumption.

The study, conducted by researchers from Rajagiri Hospital (Kerala) and a US-based technology entrepreneur, analysed 36 different protein powders, including those containing herbal ingredients and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals.

This research aligns with recent actions by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). In response to a parliamentary question, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed that the FSSAI filed a significant number of cases – 38,053 civil and 4,817 criminal – in 2022-23 against companies selling non-conforming food samples, including protein powders and dietary supplements.

If you’re considering protein powder as part of your diet, proceed with caution. According to Dr Amogh Dudhwewala, consultant — gastroenterology, Yatharth Hospitals, protein powders, if contaminated with toxins such as heavy metals, pose a significant threat to our health, as heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury are toxic to vital organs like the kidneys and liver.

Bodybuilders and athletes often use protein powders to boost their protein intake. (file/representative)

“Continuous consumption of protein supplements containing these contaminants can lead to gradual accumulation of these toxins in the body, impairing the functions of the kidneys and liver over time. This can manifest as abnormalities in liver function tests, indicating damage to liver cells. These contaminants can exacerbate existing health issues and contribute to the development of conditions such as chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease,” he explained to indianexpress.com.

What are the problems this exposure can create long term?

In the long term, continuous exposure to heavy metals can result in chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys struggle to filter and excrete these toxins efficiently, said Dr Dudhewala. Similarly, the liver may become overwhelmed by the detoxification process, leading to chronic liver disease.

“The added sugars in some protein powders can contribute to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes over time. Furthermore, alterations in gut flora caused by protein supplements can lead to gastrointestinal issues like gut dysbiosis or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), resulting in symptoms such as abdominal distention and frequent loose stools,” he explained.

Skin problems like acne may also arise due to the disruption of the body’s natural balance caused by excessive protein intake, Dr Dudhewala added. Lastly, the formation of renal stones due to the excess of protein consumption may require medical intervention, causing further complications and discomfort in the long term.

Agreed Dr Sudeep Khanna, senior consultant, gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, and said that some of these toxins have been linked to an “increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as liver or kidney cancer, due to their ability to disrupt normal cell growth and division. It is crucial to prioritise the safety and quality of the protein powders we consume to avoid these devastating long-term consequences.”