As a vegetarian, I’m always mindful of consuming enough dietary protein (the average recommended daily value is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men). So, some mornings my breakfast consists of a protein shake to kick-start my day. Sounds healthy, right? The answer is more like maybe.

A new investigation by Consumer Reports appearing in its July 2010 print magazine tested 15 protein drinks, which led to a startling discovery. All of them had at minimum one sample containing at least one of the following: arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, all which can have toxic effects on the body. Per the study’s findings:

“. . . levels of contaminants detected were in the low to moderate range, but levels in three of the products were of particular concern because consumers who have three servings daily could be exposed to levels of arsenic, cadmium or lead that exceed the maximum limits for one or two of those contaminants in dietary supplements proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).”

Now, unlike with prescription drugs, there are no federal regulations that require dietary supplements to best tested to ensure they’re safe (ever notice those disclaimers on the labels?).

Keep in mind that the investigation was based on three daily servings of the protein drink per day, an amount that experts say is common. Three products were of particular concern:

• EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shake

• Muscle Milk Chocolate Powder

• Muscle Milk Vanilla Crème

Look out for the print magazine next month for the full, um, scoop.

Albeit, there’s no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Protein is necessary for bone development and supplements may help people—particularly vegetarians and vegans—get the goods they need. I like to blend Nature’s Plus Spiru-tein chocolate protein powder (vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO) with almond milk and frozen raspberries. There are many more options, so if you need a little protein boost, visit your local vitamin or health food store.

There is no definite way for consumers to know what’s in their food and drink products if absent from the label (even then, debate exists on the accuracy of some labeling). While proper testing and labeling is crucial, we as consumers need to ultimately make our consumption decisions. Finding and supporting companies we trust is part of the solution.

The takeaway is this: read labels, do your research and eat, or in this case drink, in moderation.