MusclePharm Protein Spiking Lawsuit

It is reported that MusclePharm Corporation’s dietary supplement, “MusclePharm Arnold Schwarzenegger Series Iron Mass”, uses cheaper ingredients that are not actually protein to raise the level of protein measured in the product. It is reported that these ingredients are usually in the form of extra amino acids, but they may also be in the form of other non-protein ingredients. The practice of using these cheaper non-protein ingredients reportedly raises the amount of protein measured in the product, without any of the real benefits customers have come to expect from a complete protein. A complete protein is a protein which contains all of the nine of the essential elements in correct proportions. If you or anyone you know purchased MusclePharm Arnold Schwarzenegger Series Iron Mass, or similar products based on the ingredients listed on the label, you may be part of a class action lawsuit. An investigation into this matter is ongoing. Please call us at 213-212-2202.

Protein Spiking: How to Measure the Amount of Protein Contained in Food

To measure the amount of protein contained in an item for food labeling purposes, experts reportedly measure how much nitrogen is in the food. Adding nitrogen rich ingredients to raise the amount of protein measured in the food is commonly known as “protein-spiking.” Protein-spiking is also reportedly known as “nitrogen-spiking” or “amino-spiking.”

Using “Fillers” to Raise the Amount of Protein Listed on Food Labels

The price of wholesale protein has reportedly been rising. It is alleged that protein is usually purchased at roughly $15-18 per kilo. However, it is reported that nitrogen rich “filler” ingredients are much cheaper.

MusclePharm Corporation’s Food Labels

MusclePharm allegedly adds cheaper non-protein ingredients in the form of amino acids or other non protein ingredients, also referred to as “fillers”, to increase the advertised amount of protein listed on the product label.

Amino acids are naturally a part of protein. However, when extra amino acids are added to the protein, the amount of protein that is measured rises, but the extra amino acids reportedly do not add any other benefits that people normally get, or have come to expect, from protein. It is reported that the product contains approximately 50% less of the complete protein that people are expecting.

It is also alleged that MusclePharm’s “Supplement Facts” panel advertises that the protein content of the product is 40 grams per serving, but then reportedly splits the ingredients into two sub-categories: the actual protein content, and the cheaper non-protein ingredients. These cheaper non-protein ingredients are the ingredients which reportedly increase the amount of protein measured in the product. The claim on the label that the total protein count of 40 grams is allegedly reached by including these cheaper non-protein ingredients.

Contact Us

If you or anyone you know purchased MusclePharm Corporation’s dietary supplement “MusclePharm Arnold Schwarzenegger Series Iron Mass”, or similar products based on the ingredients listed on the label, please call us at 213-212-2202. You may be part of a class action lawsuit. The investigation is ongoing.