Myprotein is a popular sports nutrition brand that offers a wide range of protein powders and supplements, including weight gainers. Many fitness enthusiasts and athletes use weight gainers like those from Myprotein to increase their calorie and protein intake in order to build muscle mass. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s important to verify that the products they use are gluten-free. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at whether Myprotein’s weight gainer products are gluten-free.
What is gluten and why is it a concern?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Over time, the intestinal damage can also impede nutrient absorption and lead to deficiencies.
For those who need to avoid gluten, checking labels and understanding how products are made is crucial. While many whole grains and starches contain gluten, it can also be found in unexpected places like sauces, seasonings, and flavorings. Even tiny amounts can cause issues for those who are highly sensitive.
What types of ingredients typically contain gluten?
Here are some of the most common sources of gluten:
– Wheat, including varieties like spelt, farro, khorasan wheat/kamut, einkorn, and triticale
– Barley
– Rye
– Malt from gluten-containing grains
– Brewer’s yeast
– Wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, couscous, bulgur, semolina
– Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce containing wheat
– Flavorings like malt vinegar, malt extract, malt flavoring
– Thickening agents or stabilizers containing gluten sources
– Oats (often cross-contaminated with wheat)
So when looking at an ingredient list, these are the main things to watch out for. Any products containing them would not be considered gluten-free.
Examining Myprotein Weight Gainers
Now that we understand what to look for, let’s take a close look at some of Myprotein’s most popular weight gainer products and their ingredients:
Myprotein Weight Gainer Blend
| Ingredient List |
|---|
| Maltodextrin, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Ground Whole Grain Oat Flour, Dextrose, Whey Protein Isolate, Flavor, Thickeners (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum), Sweetener (Sucralose) |
Right away in the ingredients list we see maltodextrin and oats, both potential sources of gluten. Maltodextrin can sometimes be made from corn, rice, or potato starch, but is often derived from wheat. And oats run a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten sources during growing and processing. For these reasons, Myprotein’s Weight Gainer Blend would not be recommended for a gluten-free diet.
Myprotein Mass Gainer Blend
| Ingredient List |
|---|
| Maltodextrin, Milk Protein Concentrate, Ground Whole Grain Oat Flour, Whey Protein Concentrate, Dextrose, Flavor, Vegetable Fat Powder, Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K) |
Once again, maltodextrin and oat flour appear concerning for gluten content. Some additional red flags are “flavor” and “vegetable fat powder” which could potentially contain gluten from wheat sources according to how they are derived. This product would also not be considered gluten-free.
Myprotein Weight Gainer 908g
| Ingredient List |
|---|
| Maltodextrin, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Hydrolysed Whey Protein, Ground Whole Grain Oat Flour, Dextrose Monohydrate, Flavoring, Thickeners (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum), Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K) |
This weight gainer contains the same problematic ingredients – maltodextrin, oat flour, and vague “flavoring.” There are no signs this product is gluten-free.
Myprotein Pro-10 Range
| Ingredient List |
|---|
| Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Flavor (contains Soy), Cocoa Powder, Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K), Chocolate Powder, Thickener (Xanthan Gum) |
Finally we come across a Myprotein product that does look gluten-free. The Pro-10 line contains no maltodextrin, wheat, barley, rye, or oats. The whey protein comes from milk. And while the “flavor” could be a question mark, the product description states it contains soy – a legume, not a gluten grain. Of Myprotein’s weight gainers, the Pro-10 range would likely be the only gluten-free option. But it’s still advisable to contact the company to confirm their protocols around cross-contamination.
Checking for Certifications
When researching product ingredients isn’t conclusive, the next step is to check whether a food company’s manufacturing process has been certified gluten-free. Myprotein does not claim to be a dedicated gluten-free facility. However, their website states:
“Whilst our products are not produced in a gluten free environment, we follow strict control procedures to avoid cross contamination and ensure the integrity of all our gluten free products.”
Additionally, Myprotein has not obtained independent gluten-free certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or NSF Gluten-Free. So while they may take some precautions, there is still risk of exposure during manufacturing. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergies should use caution.
Gluten-Free Labeling Regulations
It’s also important to understand labeling terminology on gluten-free foods:
– “Gluten-free” means less than 20 parts per million gluten. Foods must meet this standard to make a gluten-free claim in many countries.
– “No gluten ingredients” means none of the ingredients contain gluten sources. However, there could still be cross-contact during processing.
– “May contain wheat” is a voluntary statement that indicates possible cross-contamination.
Myprotein products do not claim to be gluten-free. Some may be “no gluten ingredients” but they do not guarantee avoidance of cross-contact without dedicated facilities and certifications.
Consulting with Myprotein
For definitive answers, consumers with celiac disease or wheat allergies may choose to reach out to Myprotein directly to inquire about their specific health needs and concerns around trace amounts of gluten:
– Does Myprotein test products for gluten, and are results available? What is the limit of detection?
– What protocols are in place to prevent cross-contact with gluten during production and packaging?
– Can any staff offer guidance in navigating ingredient lists and identifying riskier products?
– Is it possible to obtain third-party lab test results verifying gluten-free status? Some companies provide these upon request.
– Are separate gluten-free manufacturing facilities or batches available for certain higher risk products like weight gainers with maltodextrin?
Myprotein may not be able to guarantee 100% gluten avoidance for all items, given shared equipment. But their customer service team can offer personalized advice and transparency around quality control procedures.
Summary
To wrap up, here are the key takeaways on Myprotein and gluten:
– Most Myprotein weight gainers and protein blends contain gluten-based ingredients like maltodextrin and wheat-contaminated oats.
– The Pro-10 range appears to be the only gluten-free weight gainer option, but contact Myprotein to verify.
– Myprotein does not claim to be a gluten-free facility or have GFCO/NSF certifications. Some cross-contamination is likely.
– Consumers with celiac disease or wheat allergy should use caution and thoroughly vet products with the company.
– Myprotein cannot guarantee all products are 100% gluten-free, but their customer service team can offer guidance in navigating ingredients and labeling.
So in summary, while many Myprotein products do contain gluten, options likely exist with careful label reading and consultation with the company. As always, those with celiac disease or wheat allergy should work closely with their healthcare provider when making nutrition and supplementation choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Myprotein if I have celiac disease?
Those with celiac disease need to be extremely cautious with Myprotein. While some products may not contain obvious gluten ingredients, cross-contamination in facility is likely. It’s advisable for those with celiac to choose only products that are certified gluten-free from dedicated facilities.
Does Myprotein test for gluten?
Myprotein does not provide lab test results for the gluten content of products. Consumers would need to contact the company to learn about any testing procedures in place and protocols to reduce cross-contamination during manufacturing.
What happens if I eat gluten accidentally in Myprotein products?
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming hidden sources of gluten from Myprotein could cause intestinal damage and symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and nausea. In children, it can also impair growth and nutrition. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is required for their health.
Can I request gluten-free batches of Myprotein?
It may be possible to request specially produced gluten-free batches of certain high-risk products like weight gainers. However this generally requires advanced notice and a minimum order quantity. Small-scale special requests are often difficult for manufacturers. Discuss options with their customer service team.
Is maltodextrin gluten-free?
Maltodextrin is usually made from wheat and contains gluten. Occasionally it can be derived from corn, rice, or potato starch instead. But unless the source is specified, maltodextrin should be assumed to contain gluten. Contact manufacturers to verify the source.
The Bottom Line
Myprotein products are not certified gluten-free and their facility allows cross-contact with gluten. Consumers with celiac disease or wheat allergy should thoroughly vet all product ingredients, manufacturing processes, and labeling claims with the company to determine safety on a case-by-case basis. Collaboration with healthcare providers is also advised when selecting supplements. While Myprotein cannot guarantee all items are 100% gluten-free, they can provide personalized guidance and transparency around quality control protocols. With proper label reading and communication, options likely exist for certain products to fit into a gluten-free lifestyle.
