protein powders

Q: Are any of the ingredients in the Paleo Protein (Natural Vanilla Protein) from Rootcology bad for you? Such as the natural flavors, tapioca dextrin, medium chain triglycerides, and silicon dioxide? Where are the natural flavors coming from? I have been on a very restrictive paleo diet for a long time and I get nervous about these types of ingredients. I've been using this specific protein for about a week now, and I feel like I might be sensitive to it. I just want to make sure these ingredients are not harming me.

A: We know the manufacturer of Rootcology products, and we have very specific standards and requirements. Rootcology products contain no soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, or dairy in the flavorings. Also, we know that no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, MSG, etc. are used in those "natural flavors". For us, it's very important to know that because, as people with Hashimoto's or autoimmunity in general, we are prone to multiple food sensitivities and are always trying to avoid the most reactive foods, such as soy, gluten, and dairy. So, this is why it can be tricky to buy products with "natural flavors" if one doesn't know the source.

The term is used widely in the food industry and even for supplements-- such as Rootcology, for example, but then one would have to find out what is contained or not contained in those flavors to be sure that they are not ingesting something they are sensitive to.

As for tapioca dextrin, that’s a natural gluten-free soluble fiber. Medium chain triglycerides can be very healthy; think of MCT oil; that’s what MCT stands for. Typically, it’s coconut-derived. Silicon dioxide is used in small amounts as an anti-caking agent. It’s present in very small amounts in this product and considered safe.

Having said that, people with Hashimoto's in general might be sensitive to anything. Perhaps it’s the Stevia in it that you're sensitive to. It could be the vanilla or it could be the actual protein that you're sensitive to. Definitely, listen to your body. If you're not doing well on this, then you may want to stop utilizing it. Please feel free to return it and contact the team at info@rootcology.com. They’ll be happy to help you. One of the reasons I created Rootcology is because I know that people with Hashimoto's like myself tend to be sensitive to a variety of things, and I didn't want people to get stuck with supplements that they couldn't take. So, anytime anybody has any reaction to supplements, we do offer a full refund policy for that. If that's you, please go ahead and email the team.