How do you know which brand to buy that contains the least amount of lead, various heavy metals, or pesticides? You could look at various product reviews of greens and whole foods powders and pay attention to the test results and what the FDA reports is excess lead, cadmium or other contamination from heavy metals or pesticides.
Why do so many so-called 'green' powders contain heavy metals? If you take green powders made from wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, leafy vegetables, and other chlorophyll-containing ingredients, you should know which ones contain too much lead or pesticides. You could look at the various FDA reports. Or you can check out the report from ConsumerLab.com.
You could check out the report from ConsumerLab.com to see which green powders were found by that laboratory to contain heavy metals and pesticides in amounts unsafe and which ones met quality standards. See the website, Review of Greens Powders and Whole Foods ... - ConsumerLab.com.
According to ConsumerLab.com's report, six of the eight products chosen for testing met quality standards. But two products were contaminated with excess levels of lead and/or cadmium.
You could check out the Nutrition Business Journal to find out how much money consumers spent on these products. In 2009 it was $74 million worth of 'green' powders and similar products made from or with green powders.
Why people take green powders such as barley grass powder, wheat grass, spirulina, and mixtures of green vegetables turned into a powder or pill is because these products have antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. The green powders help people who want low-sodium supplements without added sugars. They don't have added fats or cholesterol. They do have cholrophyll.
The problem with the heavy metal contamination found in some products is that some of these green powders contain not just one plant but a mixture of several different plants. If you look at the ConsumerLab.com report, you'll find one product of green powder (powdered greens, that is) contained 19.6 mcg of lead per daily serving.
Now you can look at what the FDA's limit is for adults. You'll see this "greens powder" made of mixed greens exceeds the FDA's limit for adults and also exceeds the FDA's limit for children, which is only 6 mcg daily, of lead, which is a heavy metal.
To find out which greens powder or green powder contains the least contaminants of heavy metals and pesticides, read the new "Product Review of Greens and Whole Foods Powders." ConsumerLab.com did the testing and has the report.
Of the nine products tested, eight were selected by ConsumerLab.com and one passed ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. The products tested are included in the report. Also you can see report reviews where the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and various ingredients are compared. You also can read about this also in the June 2011 issue of Townsend Letter, in the article "Some Powders Found Contaminated with Heavy Metals," on page 17.
According to ConsumerLab.com's news release of June 9, 2010, greens powders, made from wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, leafy vegetables and other chlorophyll-containing ingredients, were recently tested by ConsumerLab.com for potential contamination with heavy metals and pesticides.
ConsumerLab.com found that six of the eight products selected for testing met quality standards, but two products were contaminated with lead and/or cadmium. Americans purchased $74 million worth of "greens" products in 2009 according to Nutrition Business Journal.
"Greens powders are generally high in fiber, low in fats, cholesterol and sodium, and can provide a range of vitamins and antioxidants," said Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com, according to the news release. "However, being of made of many plants, a product can be contaminated by heavy metals."
ConsumerLab.com found, for example, that one "greens" powder contained 19.6 mcg of lead per daily serving, which significantly contributes toward the FDA's provisional limit for adults and exceeds the 6 mcg daily limit for children.
The new Product Review of Greens and Whole Foods Powders provides test results for nine products -- eight selected by ConsumerLab.com and one that passed ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Products included in the report are Amazing Grass Green Superfood, Deeper Greens, Gary Null's Green Stuff, Green Foods Magma Plus, InnerLight SuperGreens, Natural Factors Enriching Greens, Nature's Way Alive! Whole Food Energizer, New Chapter Organics Probiotic Berry Green, and Vibrant Health Green Vibrance. In addition to test results, the report reviews and compares the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients in the products.You'll have to look at the actual report to see which greens powders products passed the test.
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.
What consumers would like to see online without the fuss of having to register to see any report results is simply the names of brands that have passed and what's in the brands that meet the FDA's requirements as to not having excess heavy metals. So you'll have to check the website for yourself. You could also check out the FDA's site. Or see the USP site. USP is the federally recognized authority that sets voluntary standards for health products.
There also has been controversy over contamination in protein drinks. Also see the article on possible contamination in protein drinks, Maker of protein drinks responds to CU's investigation. Consumer Report's investigation revealing that some protein drinks may pose health risks over time when consumed frequently has stirred reaction from the industry. Tests at an outside lab of 15 protein drinks, found that all of the products tested had at least one sample containing arsenic, cadmium, lead or mercury--contaminants that can have toxic effects on the body.
For most drinks tested, levels of detected contaminants were in the low to moderate range when detectable. But levels in three of the products were of particular concern because consumers who had three servings daily could be exposed to arsenic, cadmium or lead at levels exceeding the maximum limits proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
Any health product can be tested to see whether it contains any excess heavy metals or pesticides But why do so many so-called 'green' powders contain heavy metals? It is about the soil, the plants, the water, or the processing?
When you go to the ConsumerLab.com website, you need to register to receive their newsletter. They also have a membership available with a small fee if you want to pay to see the full report. However, you can check out some of the information in the press section. For example, see the following resources of information on various health foods and supplements.
May 23, 2011 -- Red yeast rice supplements weaker now than in 2008; Wide variation among brands and contamination discovered by ConsumerLab.com -- Popular cholesterol-lowering supplements tested and compared
April 26, 2011 -- Problems discovered with eight vitamin D supplements in study by ConsumerLab.com -- Incorrect amounts of vitamins, lead contamination, and labeling infractions identified.
March 30, 2011 -- ConsumerLab.com finds 100-fold variation in cost of iron supplements
March 8, 2011 -- ConsumerLab.com reviews CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements -- Tests show quality to be high, but large differences found in dosage, formulation, and cost
February 16, 2011 -- Some turmeric and curcumin supplements fail quality review -- ConsumerLab.com finds 20% of turmeric supplements selected for review deliver less than 15% of promised compounds
February 1, 2011 -- Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and https://goo.gl/fz0gHE merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2011 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com survey of vitamin and supplement users
January 31, 2011 -- Vitamin D use increased 52% in past two years according to ConsumerLab.com survey of supplement users -- Fish oil continued to surpass multivitamins as most popular supplement and Internet was most common place to buy supplements
January 25, 2011 -- ConsumerLab.com evaluates quality of potassium supplements and identifies those offering best value
January 11, 2011 -- Spoilage and labeling errors found with some omega-3 and -6 supplements; Review of evening primrose, flaxseed, borage, and black currant oil supplements
December 14, 2010 -- DHEA supplements, touted for anti-aging and strength, reviewed by ConsumerLab.com. Testing finds one brand with only 14.7% of labeled amount
December 2, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com Finds Lower-priced Resveratrol Supplements Pass Tests While Some Higher-priced brands flunk
November 24, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com faults AHPA trade group for misrepresenting quality of valerian supplements
November 10, 2010 -- Only 22% of valerian herbal sleep supplements selected for review pass tests for quality by ConsumerLab.com
October 26, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com reports deficiencies in some B-complex supplements and more caffeine than expected in "shot-sized" B vitamin "energy" drinks
September 28, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com finds quality problems with nearly 30% of fish oil supplements reviewed; "Fishy" claims identified -- Softgels and liquids for adults, children and pets tested, including krill oil and algal oil supplements
August 16, 2010 -- Problems persist with ginseng supplements -- Review by ConsumerLab.com finds 45% of products don't provide full amount of ingredient or are contaminated
July 21, 2010 -- Tests of "muscle enhancement" supplements show quality problems with some creatine and branched-chain amino acid products -- Review of Muscle Enhancement Supplements published by ConsumerLab.com
June 30, 2010 -- Echinacea supplements vary widely in ingredients but found clear of contaminants according to ConsumerLab.com -- New review guides consumers through wide range of dosage, species, preparations, and formulas in echinacea products
June 9, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com tests "greens" and "whole foods" products; Most offer healthful nutrients, but some found contaminated with heavy metals
May 5, 2010 -- Tests of protein powders and drinks show some lead contamination but no melamine -- New report covers whey, soy, and rice protein supplements for body building, endurance/recovery, meal-replacment and dieting
April 14, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com reports most St. John's wort supplements fail quality tests -- An effective antidepressant herb but heavy metal contamination and low potency are concerns
March 25, 2010 -- Cholesterol-lowering supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com: Many pass quality testing, one fails. Sterol and policosanol products analyzed. Evidence for other cholesterol-lowering ingredients evaluated
March 2, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com finds carcinogenic form of chromium in supplements, including those for weight loss -- Reviews published of supplements containing chromium, green tea, 7-keto DHEA and stimulant formulas
February 1, 2010 -- Top-rated supplement brands and merchants for consumer satisfaction for 2010; Based on ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
February 1, 2010 -- Fish oil becomes most popular dietary supplement in ConsumerLab.com survey; Vitamin D and resveratrol use surge
January 20, 2010 -- ConsumerLab.com finds quality of most CLA supplements for slimming to be high; One brand mislabeled -- Report is first published in series on supplements for weight loss and slimming
December 16, 2009 -- "Eye health" supplements vary widely in formula but product quality is high according to ConsumerLab.com
December 2, 2009 -- Tests show many milk thistle supplements low in key component -- Nine of ten products fail ConsumerLab.com testing of herb used in diabetes and liver diseases
November 16, 2009 -- ConsumerLab.com finds many probiotics don't deliver listed ingredients
October 7, 2009 -- ConsumerLab.com finds that only two-thirds of alpha-lipoic acid supplements selected for testing pass quality review -- Anti-oxidant supplements helpful to diabetics
September 15, 2009 -- ConsumerLab.com finds many prostate supplements have correct ingredients, but four fail review -- New report on 19 saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements
August 25, 2009 -- ConsumerLab.com tests quality of acai berry supplements and beverages -- No contamination found but health benefits remain unproven. Caution urged with laxative formulas and billing schemes.sed to treat sleep disturbances due to jet travel and other causes
December 10, 2002 -- Lupus patients cautioned about hormone supplement -- ConsumerLab.com releases DHEA testing results online today
October 29, 2002 -- Enormous variation found in strength of garlic supplements -- most popular herb in U.S. -- ConsumerLab.com releases results online today
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September 24, 2002 -- Problems found with most sexual enhancement supplements evaluated by ConsumerLab.com -- Only 9 of 22 products pass independent review
August 20, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com announces screening of supplements for banned substances for the United States Olympic Committee -- First products to pass now listed on ConsumerLab.com web site
August 7, 2002 --
ConsumerLab.com finds some spoilage and inaccuracy among omega-3 and 6 supplements -- List released of evening primrose, flaxseed and other GLA/ALA products that passed testing
July 16, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com finds lead contamination remains a problem for certain mineral supplements -- Lead found in iron, magnesium and, most recently, potassium pills
July 10, 2002 -- Pharmavite dietary supplements receive ConsumerLab.com approval -- Vitamin E, SAM-e, St. John's Wort, Ginkgo and others merit approved quality products ranking
June 25, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com reviews radioprotective Iodine pills in response to terrorist threats -- Quality of products is high, but local access is poor
May 15, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com lists magnesium products that passed testing -- Some products fail due to excess magnesium and lead contamination
May 5, 2002 -- Study finds supplement users avoid prescription drugs due to side effects, not cost -- Brands top rated by users also identified in new survey by ConsumerLab.com
April 16, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com finds "Breast Enhancement" pills lack evidence of efficacy
April 3, 2002 -- More than one in five weight loss, slimming and/or diabetes supplements fail ConsumerLab.com evaluation -- Problems found in chromium and pyruvate products; CLA products fine
March 6, 2002 -- Study finds supplement users avoid prescription drugs due to side effects, not cost -- Brands top rated by users also identified in new survey by ConsumerLab.com
March 5, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com finds nutrition powders & drinks more accurately labeled than nutrition bars, but unapproved food ingredient seen in some
February 8, 2002 -- Athletic Banned Substances Screening and Certification Program announced by ConsumerLab.com -- Tester of supplements to screen for substances banned in Olympics
January 8, 2002 -- ConsumerLab.com finds most B vitamin supplements contain what they claim, but often exceed safe levels -- Consumers cautioned to be aware of side effects with high dose products
November 20, 2001 -- ConsumerLab.com finds fish oil supplements free of mercury, but 30% lacking in key ingredient -- Test results of omega-3 fatty acid (EPA and DHA) products released today
October 30, 2001 -- Sixty percent of nutrition bars fail to meet claims in ConsumerLab.com tests -- "Low Carb" bars often loaded with carbohydrates; excess sodium and saturated fat also found
October 3, 2001 -- Most iron supplements pass ConsumerLab.com testing -- Lead contamination and insufficient iron found in some
August 15, 2001 -- Problems and ambiguity among alternative estrogen products reported by ConsumerLab.com -- Results of soy and red clover isoflavone product testing released online today
July 9, 2001 -- Many herbal sleep products lack key claimed ingredient -- Results of ConsumerLab.com's testing of valerian products released on web today
June 4, 2001 -- ConsumerLab.com reports test results of arthritis supplement -- MSM; Quality found higher than for most supplements, but room for improvement remains
May 7, 2001 -- Over forty percent of Echinacea products fail ConsumerLab.com review; Inadequate labeling and missing ingredients found common for popular herbal cold remedy
April 10, 2001 -- Quality of popular herbal anti-depressant found to vary; certain types of St. John's Wort supplements more likely to pass testing
March 27, 2001 -- ConsumerLab.com expands testing of health products; success of dietary supplement evaluations leads company into broader nutrition field, beginning with popular nutrition bars
March 13, 2001 -- ConsumerLab.com review of vitamin E supplements finds some insufficiencies and need for clearer labeling; test results released online today
February 14, 2001 -- Problems found with multivitamins and multiminerals by ConsumerLab.com
January 29, 2001 -- Some supplements for arthritis may exceed newly released safe intake levels for manganese
November 21, 2000 -- ConsumerLab.com tests popular supplement for heart failure; CoQ10 test results released online today
September 6, 2000 -- ConsumerLab.com finds new calcium products of higher quality than many traditional supplements; Test results released online today
August 7, 2000 -- ConsumerLab.com finds that not all creatine supplements meet label claims; Popular sports supplement test results released online
July 11, 2000 -- Pesticide contamination found in many Ginseng supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com
May 17, 2000 -- ConsumerLab.com test of vitamin C products identifies quality control issues and misuse of USP claim.
April 24, 2000 -- ConsumerLab.com announces first test-based buyer's guide to dietary supplements; Manufacturers encouraged to have products tested for potential inclusion.
March 28, 2000 -- Only half of SAM-e supplements found to contain proper ingredients and labeling in ConsumerLab.com testing; Product Review of popular anti-depressant published online today.
March 7, 2000 -- ConsumerLab.com finds many arthritis supplements lacking labeled ingredients; Glucosamine and Chondroitin product review published online today.
January 31, 2000 -- Quality of prostate supplements get mixed review in ConsumerLab.com study; Saw palmetto product review published online today.
January 24, 2000 -- Majority of dietary supplements sold in U.S. being tested by ConsumerLab.com in 2000; newest results due January 31 for Saw Palmetto.
December 8, 1999 -- ConsumerLab.com testing quality of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Saw Palmetto supplements; web site becoming popular reference for consumers
November 16, 1999 -- Only three quarters of Ginkgo Biloba supplements contain proper ingredients. ConsumerLab.com posts first of its dietary supplement product tests.
August 5, 1999 -- ConsumerLab.com initiates independent testing of herbal products and supplements. Certification Seal announced.