As we age, most of us struggle to get sufficient protein in our diet to keep building muscle and collagen in our bodies. Adequate protein helps us recover from the occasional illness but is also essential in helping us maintain muscle mass and strength as we age.

Collagen has become a buzz word in the beauty industry, but its even more important for what it can do inside our bodies. As one of the most absorbable types of protein, collagen may help prevent bone loss,

Clean Collagen

With Protein powders and collagen supplements so often in the news for their heavy metal content, its becoming increasingly important that we only use products that are carefully screened for contaminants including heavy metals. Grass-fed and organic collagen and protein, which may contain fewer pesticides, do not seem to do any better than other collagen and protein powders when it comes to heavy metal content. So where can you find clean protein supplements? These are a few I have personally verified have good third party testing with heavy metals well within acceptable limits.

• Needed-collagen peptides geared especially for the pregnant or nursing mom. Third party tested but no Certificates of Analysis available.
• Paleo Valley is bone broth based which is slightly different than collagen but still very healthful. The flavors are surprisingly good and the health benefits are especially suited to those trying to heal chronic conditions.

Clean Protein powders

• Legion offers a variety of protein powders. For those that can tolerate egg, egg white can be one of the most absorbable forms of protein with a wide range of amino acids. These are quality manufactured and third party tested in the U.S. by an ISO-accredited lab. If you can’t handle egg but can tolerate whey, that is another good option from this company.
• Naked is a vegan pea protein powder that may be suitable to dedicated vegans. Although vegan protein powder is less well absorbed, protein powder is even more essential for vegans who may be missing this essential element in their diets. Note that vegan protein powders tend to have a bit more texture when mixed which is what causes the poor reviews. This is still a well manufactured and tested protein powder even though the taste is rougher than the dairy alternatives.
• Natural Forces Whey protein that is both organic and batch tested by a third party.
• Ora Organics offers a multi-source protein powder that contains some superfoods and does better on the taste scale than most high quality vegan powders. They also offer Certificates of Analysis from the third party testing on their website for each batch of product though the lab is not indicated.
• Transparent Labs has a variety of protein powders including Pea Protein and Whey protein. They offer third party testing with Certificates of Analysis available on their website. Note that the lab is less well-known, though.

Custom Protein powder

This custom protein powder had mixed testing results but it may be worth considering because there are so many flavors and types of protein available. You can even get rice protein which, although it doesn’t dissolve as well, may be a great option for those struggling with MCAS and other allergies/sensitivities. It can also be great for kids or seniors who may be picky about flavors but more amenable to protein drinks if they get to design their own flavor.

Studies supporting supplementing with collagen and protein: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5793325/

News articles about heavy metals in protein powders: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63393720/protein-powder-lead-cadmium-list/

MamaVation’s heavy metal findings

Clean Label Projects 16 protein powders with least heavy metals