Supplements? Who to Trust?

In terms of fitness i'm sure that most people are aware of supplements in various forms ranging from liquids, tablets and powders. Some range from improving overall health benefits (fish oil, multivitamin) and others can be considered performance based (glutamine, protein powders). 

I've been a big time fan of protein powders for the last 5 years. They help in that a person is able to receive a portion of their daily protein intake precisely and easily. Probably the biggest thing that motivates me is the convenience factor. Being a uni student and rushing between classes and training, i'd be the one to slam down a protein shake whilst running around campus. 

One thing that really has taken its toll on me is the price of protein powders. Not only has the price jumped by over 50 dollars in the last 5 years (Optimum 100% was retailing at $120.00 for a 10 pound bag 5 years ago and is now pushing nearly $180.00 for the same product), but the lack of regulation and testing has, for lack of a better word, scared me. 

The 2008 documentary 'Bigger, Stronger, Faster' provided an in-depth and unbiased look into the bodybuilding industry. It showed how flawed the supplement industry was and that major players were failing to provide a top quality product. 

 

An article released in 2009 from major sports news site 'Sports Illustrated' released an article called "What You Don't Know Might Kill You". Basically a closer look at the supplement industry which really was an eye opener. I suggest anyone that takes supplements to read and watch both sources.

Why did these scare me so much? Because American products dominate majority of the market. This promptly motivated me to change my supplementation to an Australian product. 

Whilst looking for deals, i came across an Australian provider by the name of Bulk Powders. They provided a broad range of products and supplements at competitive prices. I promptly made an order (for shame) for a 5kg bag of Whey Protein Isolate, 500 capsules of ZMA (a natural sleep aid) and 1kg bag of LSA (a blend of almonds, linseed and sunflower seeds to provide fibre and good fats). 

I received the products within a day, and after reading the nutritional content of the protein supplement i was shocked. They state that a 40gram serving provides over 36grams of protein, yet also provides over 15grams of Essential Amino Acids. It didn't make sense. Was this another company trying to make a name for itself yet failing to provide an effective product?

Source: Bulk Powders 

Confused Consumer?

 

Moments before beginning this post, i sent them an email regarding this 'dilemma'. Hopefully they'll be able to provide some sort of concrete evidence that supports their claims. Otherwise they've lost a profitable customer and a consumer with a voice.
Who can consumers trust when the entire framework that dictates how businesses should operate is flawed? Evidently word-of-mouth comes to mind; friends, family members or key figures within the market whom we can trust. However with a relatively unknown brand such as Bulk Powders, its hard to accomplish.

I'm hoping for the best.