Supplements & Certificate of Analysis (COA)

This pertains to protein powders, tea powders, superfood blends, CBD, etc.  A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory report that features all the information about your products.  It is often used as a guide to identifying the chemical makeup of pharmaceuticals and supplements. 

Why is it important to be aware of (and minimize) heavy metal accumulation?

An excess of heavy metals in the body can result in negative neurological, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects.  While the world that most of us live in is heavily polluted, these heavy metals can build up over time, so it’s important to ensure that your detoxification pathways are functioning optimally.  

Understanding where heavy metals can accumulate in our foods, like protein powder, can help us make informed decisions about how often, if at all, to incorporate these products into our lifestyle.  The processing method, shipping method, or the soil that the food is grown in will influence the heavy metal level.

How do COAs help us understand the levels of heavy metals in products?

The COA is expected to contain important information such as the concentration of heavy metals (and/or CBD) in the final product and also make the user aware of other tested chemicals like microbiological and pesticides.  With COAs, manufacturers cannot influence the numbers hence providing better quality and safety.

How do I know a COA is genuine?

One major thing about COA that confirms its authenticity is the fact that the company that completes the lab test with a different company that sells the product.  COAs are popularly known as “third-party” tests and are meant to ensure that the results are transparent and unbiased.

How do I interpret a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)?

Each measurement is reported in parts per million.  Take that as *1 part per million* as 1 mcg per gram. 

For example, 0.5 mcg/day;  Take the *parts per million* (a 1:1 ratio) and convert it to mcg/day and then multiply that by the amount of grams in a tablespoon (14.3 grams), then take that result and multiply by two (because the serving/scoop for most protein powders is 2 tbsp).  Now, you can understand how much lead (mcg/day) is in each serving/scoop. 

Under the Prop 65 in California, the upper-limit level for lead is 0.5 mcg/day, arsenic is 10 mcg/day, cadmium is 4.1 mcg/day, and mercury is 3 mcg/day.  In order for a company to sell their product in California, their product must not not exceed the aforementioned levels.  For example, a product that has that label might have 0.35 mcg/day of lead.

What if a company declines your request to see a COA?

Transparency is important.  If the company neglects to return your request for a Certificate of Analysis or states that the information is proprietary, consider that a sign to choose a different company.  Heavy metal levels are not proprietary information and even if they state that their products are under the Prop 65 limits, they should be able to provide you with a Certificate of Analysis.

Avoid using any product that does not have a COA to ensure your safety. 

And what about protein powders, specifically?

The big concern with protein powders is heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium — in addition to BPA from the plastic container.  

USDA Organic labels do not inform about heavy metals.

This is an example of what a COA from a protein powder product might look like, here from Nuzest for their Clean Lean Natural Protein.  It’s because of their transparency, quality, THEN taste that I use them myself and share with clients.

Better brands:
  1. Nuzest (vegan)
  2. Promix (vegan, whey)
  3. Perfect Supplements (vegan, whey)

Then, green tea or matcha powders.

These can have great polyphenols, powerful antioxidants, and they promote alpha waves with the L-theanine.  The concern here, and with all leaf teas, is that the plants can absorb pesticides and heavy metals.

  1. Always choose Organic.
  2. Avoid natural flavors.

Not-so-great brands, due to pesticide or heavy metal levels: Celestial Seasoning, Lipton, Bigalow.

Better brands:
  1. Pique: https://prz.io/ONn1qL3UL
  2. Encha: https://amzn.to/3cx5Bu1
  3. Yogi: https://amzn.to/39pTYmJ
  4. Traditional Medicinals: https://amzn.to/39pfXKJ

For more information on this topic, check out this great podcast episode from my friend, Dr. Christian Gonzalez on "Heal Thy Self": https://youtu.be/4JvQMkjVI0s

Ultimately,

It's a practice of becoming more informed and empowered in the choices that will increase health.  I hope that this guide to sourcing and interpreting Certificate of Analysis documents both supports you in your goals and holds more companies to higher standards.

If this was helpful and you end up trying any of the recommended brands, tag me on Instagram @dr.chloehom and share this with a friend who might appreciate the information.  I love celebrating you!  Thank you for being here xx

Meet your guide, Dr. Chloé Hom Bañales.

As a Chinese-Mexican-Korean woman, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Coach, Master Practitioner and Trainer of NLP, Mental Emotional Release®, and Hypnotherapy that leverages the power of the unconscious mind, she founded Ascended Alchemy — a catalyst for transforming the way that health and peak performance is experienced. (Read more about Dr. Chloé's story here.)
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