INFORMED Launches Protein Verification Program

LGC’s group of nutrition industry-focused assurance programs, INFORMED, has announced the launch of its new protein testing and verification certification, Informed Protein. The new certification joins other members of the INFORMED family of global programs which include Informed Sport, Informed Choice, Informed Ingredient, and Informed Manufacturer.

A recent survey performed by LGC found out of 61 products tested, 16 were found to have protein content that was less than 98% of the claim on the Nutrition Facts label.  The findings were observed across four different protein sources (whey, soy, pea, and egg). Furthermore, an egg protein product making a 100% egg protein claim, was found to only contain 27% of protein label claimed. Download the full survey results. 

Informed Protein was developed to give confidence to consumers by verifying the amount of protein within protein supplement products. All certified products are assessed for their total nitrogen content and are evaluated for their carbon/nitrogen ratio to ensure batch consistency. Informed Protein also performs a free amino acid analysis to evaluate non-protein nitrogen. To minimize the risk of inadvertent adulterants and to ensure products are produced to high-quality standards, the verification program performs robust facility assessments of all manufacturing facilities producing certified products.

Once products are certified, they will be regularly tested through blind sampling of products. Program administrators will purchase the products from retail and they will be analyzed under ISO 17025 accredited methods at LGC’s Lexington, KY laboratory.

Protein supplements tested and certified by Informed Protein will carry the Informed Protein logo on product packaging stating they have been regularly tested. The presence of the Informed Protein logo gives supplement users assurance that the product label claims have been verified independently - thereby providing confidence that the amount of protein within a product matches what is listed on the label.

Certified products will be listed on the new Informed Protein website (informed-protein.com) along with all tested batch numbers. The website features robust search options in which users can search for protein supplements by protein type, product goal, formulation type, product category, and regional availability. All certified product pages contain links to purchase the product from the brand or popular retail websites for ease of use.

“With transparency demands from consumers becoming increasingly prevalent, Informed Protein provides supplement brands an extra level of quality assurance to their customers that the amount of protein they’re paying for is actually in the product. With supply chain issues facing the industry right now, reputable companies can utilize this certification to demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance and trust to their customers,” said Paul Klinger, INFORMED Business Development Director. “When a supplement user sees the Informed Protein logo on a product, they can have confidence the amount of protein listed on the label is accurate and has been independently verified.”

Informed Protein has already seen interest from many popular supplement brands worldwide, certifying products from Bare Performance Nutrition, Ritual, TYM, AGN Roots and Clean Shake. Many other protein products are currently in the midst of the certification process, poised to offer their customers an added layer of trust and assurance in their supplement products.

About Informed Protein

Informed Protein is a global protein testing and verification program developed to verify the amount of protein within protein supplement products. Products carrying the Informed Protein logo have been regularly tested to verify the amount of protein listed on the packaging. Established by LGC, all certified products undergo analysis for free amino acids by LGC’s world-renowned laboratories using ISO 17025 accredited methods as well as a detailed manufacturing audit. For more information on Informed Protein, please visit informed-protein.com.

About INFORMED

The INFORMED brands are global quality assurance and certification programs designed for the sports and dietary supplement industry. The programs including Informed Sport, Informed Choice, Informed Protein, Informed Manufacturer, and Informed Ingredient are members of LGC ASSURE - which brings together four of LGC’s leading brands to provide a connected series of supply chain assurance solutions.

For more information on these programs visit www.wetestyoutrust.com.