Myoplex Nutrition Shake Warnings

If you are going to use Myoplex as a supplement, you should learn about uses and warnings first.

Myoplex shakes are made by EAS, which is a sports and nutrition company. Myoplex is a supplement that comes in liquid and powder forms and it is meant to replace calories from other foods and fuel athletic performance. The warning label states: "Not to be used for weight reduction." However, additional aspects of Myoplex should also be approached with caution.

Not for Weight Reduction

Myoplex is a shake that is used as a supplement, but it is not meant to be used for weight loss. It is protein rich and is to be used as an aid to build muscle and enhance athletic performance. Although you take it in place of a meal or meals, it is not a weight-loss product or a diet shake. If it is used for weight loss, you will not meet your daily dietary nutritional needs.

Lactose Intolerance

Myoplex contains small amounts of lactose, therefore can cause complications for those who are lactose intolerant. Symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramping and flatulence can occur. Studies show that individuals who are lactose intolerant can only tolerate approximately .1 gram of lactose per tbsp. Myoplex contains 1 gram of lactose per tbsp. and is therefore not right for those who are lactose intolerant.

Do Not Add Calories

Adding different foods or beverages such as milk, fruit, flaxseed oil or soy to add flavor to your shake can add calories. If you are adding foods or beverages, you must plan your diet accordingly. For example, if you add 1 percent milk to your shake, you are adding 100 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of sugar. You could turn your shake into a 600-calorie replacement meal, which may in fact contain more calories, carbohydrates and sugar than you intended to take in. You must beware when attempting to make your shake taste better.

Toxic Metals

Consumer Reports magazine reported in its July 2010 issue that three daily servings of Myoplex contains 16.9 micrograms of arsenic, which exceeds the proposed U.S. Pharmacopoeia limit of 15 micrograms per day. The Consumer Reports study also found that Myoplex contains 5.1 micrograms of cadmium which exceeds the proposed limit of 5 micrograms per day. Cadmium can accumulate in the kidneys and damage them. In the U.S., supplements aren't generally required to undergo a pre-market review like prescription drugs. But that doesn't mean they're safe.

References

• EAS: Myoplex
• Consumer Reports Magazine: Alert: Protein Drinks

Resources

• DietSpotlight: Myoplex Review
• Vanguard: Toxic Metals in Myoplex and Muscle Protein Drinks