Analysis and quantification of metals in protein-based supplements

  • Carolina Penso Trindade Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
  • Gabriel Rübensam Centro de Pesquisa de Toxicologia e Farmacologia (Intox), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
  • Giuseppe Potrick Stefani Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
Keywords: Dietary Supplements, Metals, Whey Proteins, Hydrolyzed Vegetal Protein

Abstract

The use, dissemination and distribution of dietary supplements have expanded in recent years. The food label is your main tool for presenting nutritional information and should be an instrument that is easy to access, clear and with truthful information. The present study aims to analyze and quantify the metals Aluminum (Al), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) in supplements, of the most diverse brands, based on proteins, such as concentrated, isolated and hydrolyzed whey protein, albumin and vegan protein. The samples were acquired in local shops in Porto Alegre and from different suppliers in the e-commerce modality. 25 experiments were acquired and remained in triplicate, and in all of them values ​​of a certain metal were found, whether essential or non-essential and toxic. Some samples, due to the lower levels presented in the results, obtained in their composition some metal that was not described on the food label, whose inclusion in the formulation is not allowed, according to ANVISA and WHO. Other samples, in addition to presenting non-essential and toxic metals that are not allowed in their composition, had excessive levels of essential metals, which, when consumed in quantities above the recommended, can pose serious health risks. Thus, there is a need to intensify the inspection of commercially available dietary supplements, so that the consumer can read their label or ingredients with peace of mind and assurance that the information is reliable.

Author Biography

Giuseppe Potrick Stefani, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

Possui Graduação em Nutrição pela Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Especialização em Nutrição Clínica e Esportiva pelo Instituto de Pesquisas e Gestão em Saúde (iPGS), Mestrado em Ciências da Saúde com ênfase em Fisiologia e Fisiopatogênese (UFCSPA) e Doutorado em Ciências da Reabilitação com ênfase em Fundamentação da Reabilitação Cardiopulmonar e Metabólica (UFCSPA). Atualmente é docente de graduação da Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Tem experiência na área de Nutrição Esportiva com ênfase em Fisiologia do Exercício, Fisiologia Cardiovascular atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: suplementação, aminoácidos, treinamento de força, treinamento aeróbio, estresse oxidativo e insuficiência cardíaca. Atualmente é revisor de periódicos nacionais e internacionais como The Journal of Nutrition, Nutrition Reviews, Nutrients, Scientific Reports, Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, PLoS One, Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Toxicology, Biology Open, Steroids, e International Journal of Cardiology. Possui qualificação internacional concedida pela Sociedade Internacional para Avanço da Cineantropometria (ISAK), sendo cineantropometrista nível II.

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Published
2024-03-17
How to Cite
Trindade, C. P., Rübensam, G., & Stefani, G. P. (2024). Analysis and quantification of metals in protein-based supplements. RBNE - Brazilian Journal of Sports Nutrition, 18(109), 223-232. Retrieved from https://www.rbne.com.br/index.php/rbne/article/view/2291
Issue
Vol. 18 No. 109 (2024)
Section
Scientific Articles - Original

Copyright (c) 2024 Carolina Penso Trindade, Gabriel Rübensam, Giuseppe Potrick Stefani

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