The idea for the program started several years ago when LGC was approached by one of its partner brands that was concerned about a competitor who they thought may have been amino spiking, Paul Klinger, Business Development Director, Informed for LGC, told NutraIngredients-USA.
Amino spiking is a practice where amino acids like, for example, L-Taurine or L-Glycine are added to a product to artificially inflate the overall protein levels. However, these amino acids are non-essential and really don’t do anything for a consumer in terms of muscle building and recovery.
At the time, LGC didn’t do that kind of testing, said Klinger: LGC’s other certification programs, Informed Choice and Informed Sport, are focused on testing for hundreds of banned substances to protect athletes and active consumers.
Through those two certification programs, LGC was also receiving numerous inquiries asking if they were testing for protein or heavy metals or other contaminants, and this showed that there was potentially an issue, he said.
“We looked at other forms of testing in the industry, but we wanted to have a program that was robust, that wasn’t one test per year. We wanted a program with regular testing that was also fit for purpose and that would also be available and accessible for every brand,” said Klinger.
“As a result, the LGC team developed a suite of tests that would ensure a brand meets label claim, meets a high GMP standard, and that also tests for melamine and other things like heavy metals and pesticides.”