Promises of Protein: Study Reveals Widespread Mislabeling in Powders Sold in Chile

Original article: Prometen músculo, entregan menos: estudio revela engaños generalizados en proteínas en polvo vendidas en Chile

A scientific review of thirty protein powders sold in Chile has unveiled a concerning scenario of non-compliance, where the nutritional promises printed on packaging significantly deviate from the actual chemical composition of the products.

The study, commissioned by the Consumers and Users Organization (ODECU) and funded by the SERNAC Competitive Fund, exposes widespread inconsistencies in labeling, alarming differences in the actual content of animal and plant-based protein supplements, and a lack of transparency that undermines the rights of consumers.

The research, whose findings were presented this month, analyzed products purchased from supermarkets, pharmacies, and specialized stores. It revealed that fourteen of the fifteen animal-based proteins and eight of the fifteen plant-based proteins evaluated do not meet the declared protein content per hundred grams of product, «reinforcing a pattern of opacity that directly affects consumers’ ability to make informed decisions.»

Additionally, a vast majority displayed incomplete labeling or labels exclusively in English, violating Chilean regulations.

«These findings are particularly relevant for those consuming these products for health, physical performance, or specific nutritional needs,» highlighted ODECU in a press release.

Inconsistencies in Protein Powders: The Gap Between Packaging and Laboratory Results

The list of products that failed the accuracy test includes well-known and heavily advertised brands in the national fitness market, including:

– Spartan Natural Power Whey Protein.

– W1 Winkler Nutrition 100% Whey Pro Win.

– Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey.

– Sportlab Advanced Performance Nutrition.

– Applied Nutrition Iso XP Whey Protein Isolate.

– Redcon1 Isotope – 100% Whey Isolate.

– Farmacias Ahumada Whey Protein Chocolate.

– NTG Sport Whey Protein.

– Mutant Whey 100% Gourmet Whey Protein Mix.

– Nutrex Research 100% Whey Protein.

– Hexacore Oxy 7+ Whey Protein – Multistage Iconic Protein Matrix.

– Hexacore Muscle Whey – Whey Protein Isolate.

– Body Fortress 100% Isolate Easy to Digest Protein.

– Puregold Protein Compact Whey Gold.

– Optimum Nutrition On Gold Standard 100% Plant Protein Rich Chocolate Fudge.

– VL Pro Vitamin Life – Wellness Science Vegan Protein – High Quality Protein.

– Nutrivital Vegan Protein + B12.

– Applied Nutrition Critical Plant Protein Plant Protein Powder.

– Pazvit 100% Vegan Protein – Pea Protein Isolate – Pro Series Vegan.

– Dr. Labs Vegan Protein Cocoa.

– Integralmedica Vegansport Plant Protein – Complete Amino Acid Profile.

– Raw Vegan Protein.

– Cascara Foods Protein Lean Active – Plant Protein from Pea and Soy.

– Gohard Isolated Soy Plant Protein.

The analysis determined that the inconsistencies identified in the laboratory are significant and even concerning, given that many products do not provide a true representation of their protein contribution.

Regarding this issue, Stefan Larenas Riobó, president of ODECU, stated that «it is unacceptable that such popular and widely used products show such large discrepancies between their declared content and what they actually contain. Consumers rely on this information to manage their nutrition.”

Regulatory Oversight and Gaps

The study also addressed the issue of heavy metals, a critical contaminant in these types of products.

The results in this regard were categorized as «not detectable,» due to the methodological limits of the analysis.

The document emphasizes that, both in Chile and in other countries, there are no specific criteria or maximum limits for heavy metals in protein supplements, leaving a regulatory gap. «This highlights the need for clearer regulations and stricter oversight mechanisms,»

ODECU warned. «It is not possible to ensure the safety of the analyzed products concerning heavy metals due to the lack of methodological sensitivity to detect contaminants, while in several cases, the declared protein contributions do not match what was found in the laboratory. This combination of inconsistencies underscores the need for both the industry and marketers to fulfill their obligation to properly label their products, and for regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with existing regulations to guarantee truthful information backed by reliable analyses.»

Recommendations for a More Transparent Market

In light of this scenario, the study proposes a series of recommendations directed at all stakeholders in the supply chain. Consumers are urged to verify that the labeling is complete and in Spanish, and to seek professional advice to select products appropriate for their actual needs.

The industry, importers, and marketers are urgently advised to verify and correct their labels based on the actual formulation of the product and to enhance their internal quality controls.

Finally, the strongest call is directed at authorities. ODECU proposes enhancing oversight and advancing the development of specific technical standards that clearly regulate the composition, labeling, and contamination limits for sports and protein supplements. The goal, they stress, is «to ensure the safety of these products, while also keeping an eye on products that manage to enter the country without meeting the minimum labeling requirements and are still available for sale in stores.”

To review the full study, click here.