Fake protein supplements: A hidden danger to India’s fitness fad

Experts sound alarm over fake protein supplements

Health

Society

January 31, 2025

/ By / New Delhi

Fake protein supplements: A hidden danger to India’s fitness fad

Many protein supplements fail to clearly list their ingredients.

In 2023, India’s medical body, ICMR, issued a warning against the use of protein supplements for building body mass. Just a year later, Noida resident Atin Singhal reported severe health issues, which led to the police uncovering a fake protein supplement factory. This incident has raised significant concerns among doctors and fitness experts about the growing spread of counterfeit protein supplements in the market.

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Atin Singhal, a fitness enthusiast, residing at Noida near Delhi, recently ordered protein supplements from a popular brand through an e-commerce platform.

But soon after consuming the supplements, he fell ill, experiencing severe stomach and liver issues along with facial breakouts.

Alarmed by his deteriorating health, Singh grew suspicious and filed a complaint with the police. Acting on his complaint, authorities launched an investigation, which led them to trace the origin of the suspected product to Greater Noida‘s Sector 86.

To their horror, police found three men in the basement filling empty boxes labelled ‘The Athlete’s Complete Nutrition’. Upon discovering that they had no license, the police alerted the Food Safety Team, leading to their eventual arrest.

As Indians become increasingly health-conscious and place greater emphasis on their appearance, the country’s gym culture continues to grow. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the number of gym memberships in India reached 3.5 million in 2019.

The gym industry is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2028 and alongside, the demand for supplements is also rising. According to the India Fitness Market Overview 2029 report published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to surpass USD 1.65 billion between 2024 and 2029,  reflecting the growing health consciousness among people.

The surging demand has led to a rise in counterfeit protein supplements, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine and fake products, posing serious health risks. The incident regarding Singhal is just the tip of the iceberg.

The peer-reviewed medicine journal reveals, that around 70 pc of popular supplements sold in India contain incorrect protein information, with some also tainted by harmful contaminants such as pesticide residue and fungal aflatoxins.

According to Bharat Jain, owner of the online fitness platform Veggains, many brands fail to properly highlight their ingredients, leaving customers unable to identify potential allergens. This oversight can drastically affect their health.

“Many brands fail to clearly list their ingredients, making it hard for consumers to spot allergens. For instance, someone with lactose intolerance could unknowingly consume a protein supplement containing dairy, leading to gut issues, nausea, or other adverse reactions,” Jain tells Media India Group.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned against the usage of protein supplements for building body mass, citing added sugars, non-caloric sweeteners, and artificial flavorings that can negate health benefits. Additionally, as per ICMR, high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in proteins can also increase the risk of non-communicable diseases among consumers.

But despite the apparent dangers, the protein market in India continues to grow, with an estimated value of USD 1.52 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 2.08 billion by 2030, reveals Hyderabad-based Mordor Intelligence. Thus, reflecting the increased use of protein supplements among people.

Why People Continue to Utilise These Supplements?

According to Dr Ranjay Saxena, a consultant physician in Jhansi for the past 30 years, many gym instructors, driven by high-profit margins, pressure their clients into using these supplements.

“The primary reason for counterfeit products in India is the pressure exerted by inadequately trained gym instructors. Driven by high-profit margins, they often promote counterfeit brands and labels, putting consumers at risk,” Saxena tells Media India Group.

However, Bharat Jain of Veggains attributes the increasing use of protein supplements to factors such as perceived health benefits and aggressive social media marketing.

“People are becoming more aware of how protein impacts energy, mood, immunity, and overall health. While these benefits can be achieved through whole foods, supplements are favoured for their speed. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, along with fitness influencers, have amplified this demand, and brands are tapping into a larger audience, making protein powders seem like a must-have for anyone serious about fitness,” adds Jain.

Gym instructor’s perspective

But Ganesh Limgude, a gym trainer with over 15 years of experience and now a startup owner of Rock Gym 24 in Pune, stresses that quality is the key concern.

“The key factor is protein quality. As long as consumers purchase from an authorised company, they are unlikely to face any issues,” Limgude tells Media India Group.

He further explains that with the growing interest in fitness, particularly post-Covid-19, protein is recognised as essential for both the brain and body. However, instead of obtaining protein from natural sources like soya and paneer, many people are turning to shortcuts due to their hectic lifestyles. Protein supplements, typically providing 24 grams per serving, have become an increasingly preferred choice due to their accessibility and convenience.

Difference between counterfeit & real proteins

As the fitness industry struggles with the spread of counterfeit protein products, which blur the line between fake and genuine supplements, fitness experts suggest several measures to help consumers differentiate between the two.

One of the easiest ways to check authenticity is by looking for spelling errors on the packaging, as counterfeit products often contain such printing mistakes, serving as an immediate red flag.

Another key indicator is the mixability and texture. If a familiar protein powder suddenly becomes too foamy, lumpy, or changes texture, it is best to verify with the brand.

Experts also stress the importance of avoiding third-party apps with poor reviews. Instead, they recommend purchasing from official websites, brand stores, or trusted retailers to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit products.

Additionally, many legitimate protein brands now feature QR codes or barcodes on their packaging, allowing consumers to scan and verify the batch number and authenticity. However, Saxena warns, that despite these precautions, counterfeit products continue to evolve, making it more difficult than ever to distinguish between real and fake protein.

“While many legitimate brands are adding extra protections to their products, counterfeit sellers continue to stay one step ahead, making it increasingly difficult to access authentic products in today’s market,” adds Saxena.

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