UPDATE: http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html
I took the video down that I published last week regarding the Garden of Life products due to information brought to my attention by one of the readers of my blog (thanks Scott), and due to updates on the story from various news outlets and the Natural News. You can read the story above and especially the statements from Garden of Life and Sun Warrior products that clarify the fact that there were no unsafe levels of heavy metals according to the USDA in these products.
The heavy metal testing did bring attention to amounts of heavy metals in rice protein powder, and helped to facilitate an industry agreement which would strictly limit the level of heavy metals allowable in popular raw vegan superfood protein products.
The agreement limits heavy metals in protein products to:
Lead limit: 250 ppb
Tungsten limit: 50 ppb
Cadmium limit: 1000 ppb
Mercury limit: 50 ppb
” Mr. Adams’ testing highlighted for us the importance of our commitment to support organic practices at the farm-level,” said Garden of Life Vice President of Science Jeffrey Brams. He continued to explain that this conversation “deepened our resolve to know each of our farmers personally, supporting them with the best practices, providing long term contracts with stable pricing and requiring them to adhere to the highest fair farming standards. Raw Protein is, remains and always has been safe,” Brams explained.
Sunwarrior CEO Russ Crosby also added, “Sunwarrior, in conjunction with Mike Adams, is demanding higher standards in the entire natural foods supply chain process and this begins with the water and soil our ingredients are grown in. This has always been our mission and will continue to be moving into the future.”
The bottom line is that your protein powder is safe, but the testing that was done has driven an industry agreement that is going to help lower the levels of heavy metals in brown rice protein even further. Garden of Life, Sunwarrior products and the other manufactures should all be commended on their commitment to keeping consumers safe.
Just a suggestion to all those who enjoyed GOL’s “RAW” proteins. PRIME is a Plant-based Protein & Superfood blend with chia seed, moringa oleifera, maca root and rhodiola rosea. Sweetned with Stevia, coconut sugar and a touch of Himalayan sea salt, it tastes great. Primemybody.com
Chris, that sounds like it would be a good protein powder, and one that would not cause an immune response in people that “cross-react” to many of the gluten free grains. Thanks for the information.
Doctor, where can I learn more about the results for the Raw Fit line? Do you have an additional information on this item in particular?
Thank you!
Hi Amy,
when you refer to “Raw Fit Line,” are you referring to more information on the Garden of Life protein powder in question, or another line of protein that may be a good substitute for the GOL protein?
Thanks,
Dr. Shook
I’m sorry, I should’ve been more clear. “Raw Fit” is a Garden of Life product geared towards losing weight. It is mentioned in the article from Natural News but the specifics aren’t on the chart like the “Raw Protein” line is.
I don’t know about concentration of these reported metals in their other products. As I understand it, the ingredient in question is the brown rice protein powder. I’m not sure that testing was performed on the specific product you are referring to. I have used Garden of Life products for years, and my wife took their prenatal vitamins, so I hope that we get more information on the safety of their products. I’m waiting for more information directly from Garden of Life.
You will want to update your information…..
http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html
Holly, thank you for the update! According to the Natural News, as a commitment to the quality of their products, Garden of Life has decided to test all of their brown rice protein going forward to make sure that all possible heavy metals are at safe levels. According to the Natural News, this is an industry first, and has the potential to change some of the protein industry practices that will ultimately mean more testing and safer products for consumers. This is great news, and as a user and fan of Garden of Life’s products I am relieved of the outcome. I would like to thank Holly for sharing the link with us, and would like to thank Natural News for their investigation. http://www.naturalnews.com/043759_Garden_of_Life_RAW_Protein_heavy_metals.html
To be clear. Garden of Life has not ‘decided’ to start testing all their products. They always have tested them and they’ve always have been safe. There are no changes from what I understand, only a negative post made by someone who doesn’t know how to convert mcg’s to ppm and ppb. There is a response letter Garden of Life wrote explaining there is actually more lead in a 4 oz sweet potato than in a serving of raw protein. I’d post the link, but an traveling and using my phone presently. All this re-reporting of things as if they are facts before hearing both sides of the story is just irresponsible. Does everyone think that the #1 selling USDA Organic, certified non-GMO, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, soy free protein with the highest Biological Value on the market is really causing “immune problems”and loaded with toxins? Even this so called food scientist removed his claims after being exposed. The only problem is he makes it sound like Garden of Life is changing their product. Dude words things all back ass wards. Much ado about nothing….
Scott,
Thanks for the information. When you get a chance would you mind posting a link to more information on there being a conversion issue from mcgs to ppm, and to the Garden of Life response letter? I’d also like information on the scientist that removed his claim too. I just want accurate information.
Regarding “immune responses”, my comments are regarding many of the other ingredients in may of the Garden of Life protein powders like the “Raw Meal.” For example the “Raw Meal” supplement contains: amaranth, quinoa, millet and buckwheat which all have proteins that are potentially “cross reactive” cause an immune response like gluten in sensitive individuals. Cyrex labs provides testing for these cross reactive foods, and they are commonly found in people that are autoimmune, which are many. My comments on immune response had nothing to do with the claim of there being heavy metals in the brown rice protein. I’ll say it again, I like Garden of Life products, I have used them for years and my wife used their multivitamins. I would like nothing more than for this information to be wrong. I appreciate you passion, and I would like more information too.
Thanks,
Dr. Shook
Scott,
You were right. Thank you for sharing the information. I have been following this story today and the Natural News has clarified their position and somehow the lab results that I had links to have disappeared. I took down the video I posted because i do not want to create more confusion on the topic.
All the products are safe according to current industry standards.
Due to these findings, several companies including Garden of Life and SunWarrior have agreed to lowering even further the already safe levels of heavy metals in their protein. All of these companies should be commended for their commitment to the health of consumers.
I hope Garden of Life RAW products (RAW Meal, RAW Protein & RAW Green) are safe. I’ve been using the RAW Meal and RAW Protein everyday for almost a year now, and I believe I’m healthier and continue to get healthier. I also want to start using the Garden of Life Perfect Food RAW Organic Green Super Food soon).
Based on all the information I have read here, and have read the press release statement and test results from Garden of Life on their web site, I will continue to use Garden of Life. I believe Garden of Life wants to satisfy their customers and they will raise the bar of quality and excellence in the RAW food marketplace.
Good Luck in Life.
I take Garden of LIfe’s Raw Organic Protein Powder and saw on their label that it contains food
grown in other countries. Should that be a problem as far as heavy metals are concerned?