Protein Shake

Artificial Flavor

Catch-all for synthetic flavor chemicals; regulatory threshold does not address cumulative exposure

Acesulfame Potassium

Limited safety data; may affect insulin response; animal studies showed tumor increases.

Natural Flavor

Vague term masking hundreds of possible compounds; may include MSG, beaver anal gland secretions, and other sources.

Cellulose Gum

Synthetic emulsifier; animal studies link it to microbiome disruption and inflammation.

Sucralose

May alter gut microbiome; studies show possible DNA damage at high doses.