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Is MyProtein Heavy Metal Tested? An Analysis of Their Safety Protocols

4 min read

Recent studies have raised consumer awareness about potential heavy metal contamination in protein powders, leading many to ask: is MyProtein heavy metal tested? Myprotein states that selected products undergo rigorous screening for various contaminants, including heavy metals, as part of its third-party certification processes.

Quick Summary

Myprotein employs extensive third-party testing and certifications, including Informed Sport and Informed Choice, to verify the purity and safety of its supplements, which includes screening for heavy metals.

Key Points

  • Third-Party Testing: Myprotein utilizes third-party testing from Informed Choice and Informed Sport to screen for contaminants, including heavy metals.

  • Informed Protein Process: A specific protocol verifies protein content and includes testing for heavy metals and pesticides in three pre-certification batches.

  • Batch Verification: For products certified by Informed Sport, every single batch is tested before being sold to consumers.

  • Quality Assurance: Myprotein's manufacturing facilities are regularly reviewed, and blind tests are conducted on products already on the market.

  • Source Contamination: Heavy metals in protein powders can originate naturally from soil, affecting plant-based ingredients in particular.

  • Prop 65 Context: Past Prop 65 warnings for California-sold products do not necessarily indicate unsafe levels, as they are a legal requirement for trace amounts.

  • Consumer Empowerment: Consumers can and should verify certifications by looking for official logos and checking accredited third-party websites.

In This Article

Myprotein's Quality Assurance and Certifications

To ensure product safety and quality, Myprotein partners with independent organizations for third-party testing. The brand highlights several key certifications on its website, including Informed Choice and Informed Sport. These certifications are a cornerstone of Myprotein's commitment to consumer trust, providing an extra layer of assurance that products are free from banned substances and contaminants. The process is highly detailed and transparent, covering everything from ingredient sourcing to final product testing.

The Informed Protein Certification Process

For products bearing the Informed Protein logo, a multi-stage testing process is undertaken to verify protein content, quality, and purity. This process, developed in partnership with Informed Choice, includes a critical stage where multiple product batches are specifically tested for heavy metals, alongside other contaminants like pesticides. This means that for certified products, Myprotein is not only checking for performance-enhancing substances but also for industrial and environmental contaminants that can pose long-term health risks.

  • Stage One: Product & Manufacturing Review: External assessors conduct a thorough review of the entire supply chain, including ingredients and production sites.
  • Stage Two: Pre-Certification Sample Testing: At least three batches are tested for various markers, including heavy metals and pesticides, to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
  • Stage Three: Product Certification: After passing, the product receives its certification and is listed on the official wetestyoutrust.com website.
  • Stage Four: Post-Certification Testing: Regular, monthly blind tests are conducted on products bought from online and retail stores to ensure ongoing compliance.

Informed Choice vs. Informed Sport

While both programs test for contaminants, they differ in their frequency and target audience.

  • Informed Choice: Provides regular testing for banned substances and contaminants, offering reassurance for general health-conscious consumers.
  • Informed Sport: Involves mandatory batch testing for banned substances, specifically catering to elite athletes who require the highest level of trust in their supplements.

The Broader Context of Heavy Metals in Protein Powders

It is well-documented that trace levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium can naturally occur in the environment, and they can find their way into food products, including supplements. A recent report by the Clean Label Project highlighted this issue, finding heavy metals in many popular protein powders, particularly in plant-based and chocolate-flavored varieties. Consumers should be aware of these general industry risks when evaluating any brand.

Myprotein vs. General Protein Powder Trends

To provide clarity, here is a comparison of Myprotein's certified testing against common trends found in general protein powder studies.

Feature Myprotein (Certified Products) General Protein Powder (Industry Trends)
Heavy Metal Testing Regularly tested during the Informed Protein process and ongoing blind testing. Varies widely; many products may not be independently tested for contaminants.
Certification Uses reputable third-party certifications like Informed Choice and Informed Sport. May lack third-party certification or rely only on internal checks.
Transparency Publicly details certification processes and lists certified products on wetestyoutrust.com. Transparency can be limited, with some brands not disclosing testing procedures.
Risk Mitigation Active steps to minimize risks through supplier reviews and stringent testing protocols. Contamination risk may be higher due to less rigorous supply chain management.

Addressing Past Concerns

Older independent tests sometimes surface in online forums, but they require careful context. For example, a 2018 Labdoor review of Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate mentioned a California Prop 65 warning, but specified the product passed all heavy metals assays with levels well below regulatory limits. The warning was a legally required notice for California sales and not an indication of harmful levels. While a Reddit thread from late 2024 brought up old concerns about testing, it also noted the source data's clarity was lacking, highlighting the importance of current, verified information.

Key Takeaways for Informed Consumers

Given the complexity of supplement testing and labeling, consumers should always prioritize brands that demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety. By seeking products with reputable third-party certifications, you can significantly mitigate your risk of exposure to unwanted contaminants. The presence of Informed Choice or Informed Sport logos on Myprotein products indicates that they have been tested to a high standard, offering greater peace of mind.

How to Verify Myprotein's Testing

  • Look for the Logos: Always check for the Informed Choice or Informed Sport logo on product packaging.
  • Verify Certifications Online: Visit the wetestyoutrust.com website to search for certified Myprotein products and check tested batches.
  • Read Quality Information: Review Myprotein's official quality assurance pages for details on their manufacturing standards and testing processes.

Conclusion

In response to the question, 'is MyProtein heavy metal tested?', the answer is a qualified 'yes' for its certified products. The company demonstrates a commitment to heavy metal screening through its partnerships with Informed Choice and Informed Sport. While no brand can guarantee zero heavy metals, as they occur naturally, Myprotein's transparent, third-party verified testing process provides a high level of assurance. As a consumer, the best practice is to look for these certifications on the products you purchase and to remain informed about broader industry trends. This approach allows you to make confident decisions about your supplement regimen while prioritizing your long-term health and safety.

Outbound link: Informed Choice website

Frequently Asked Questions

Myprotein's certification processes, such as Informed Protein, include heavy metal testing for specific, selected products. Not all products may carry this certification, so it is important to check individual product labels and the Informed Choice or Informed Sport website.

Informed Choice involves regular testing for contaminants and banned substances, while Informed Sport is a more stringent program that tests every batch of a certified product for banned substances, including contaminants.

Yes, Informed Choice is a globally recognized and reliable third-party quality assurance program. The logo indicates that the product has been regularly tested for contaminants and meets high manufacturing standards.

Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the Earth's crust and can be absorbed by plants from the soil or introduced during manufacturing. Their presence in small, trace amounts is not uncommon.

Industry studies, such as those by the Clean Label Project, have found that plant-based protein powders tend to have higher levels of heavy metals compared to whey-based powders because plants absorb metals from the soil. Consumers of plant-based products should pay extra attention to third-party certifications.

For products with an Informed Choice or Informed Sport logo, you can visit the wetestyoutrust.com website. Use the search function to look up the Myprotein product and view the specific batch testing results.

Past reports, like a 2018 Labdoor test, indicate that certified Myprotein products have passed heavy metal assays. The key is to look for the current, verified third-party certifications on individual products.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.