How Safe Are Cheap Protein Supplements?

Protein supplements are becoming very popular as of late, especially among the athletic and the physically active. Protein supplements offer an easy and hassle free way to be nourished since many brands not only contain high amounts of protein, but are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals needed by the body as well. Because of the increasing demand, cheap protein supplements are now being circulated alongside more pricey ones, often without the regulated ingredients that more well-known brands have. Cheap protein supplements can cost somewhere around 20 to 60 dollars, often with additional freebies like free protein bars or what not. People safely assume that cheap protein supplements are the equivalent of more expensive ones, so they consume it without knowing the possible side-effects it may have in the long run.

Nearly all protein supplements are made from the same ingredients such as flaxseed, whey, eggs, or soy; the difference is not in the composition or the ingredients, but in the quality of the ingredients which many cheap protein supplements lack. Many cheap protein supplements also have a tendency to flaunt false advertising claims to boost its credibility, despite having none whatsoever. The manufacturers of these products often stress that only organic or all-natural products were used to formulate the supplements despite the very strong probability of it being tainted with chemicals.

What’s more, cheap protein supplements may even contain chemical additives which can be dangerous to one’s health. The compound melamine which is used for the creation of plastics can be discreetly mixed with food supplements and other products to drastically ‘increase’ the protein count while accomplishing nothing in all actuality. Shady activities like these can go unnoticed especially since cheap protein supplements tend to be made outside the eyes of quality control services. The absorption of melamine can result in the formation kidney stones and renal failure, especially in children and young adults.

Cheap protein supplements can also be sold online, where even more shady activities can go unnoticed, since the Internet can be a hotbed for ‘black market’ activities. If you don’t want to put your health on the line, avoid cheap protein supplements. Always opt for well-priced supplements, and do extensive research on the product prior to purchase. Better yet, why don’t you just sit down and have a real and satisfying meal instead?