In October 2025, Consumer Reports, an American organization, published their findings that many protein powders sold in the United States of America (USA) had concerning amounts of lead in them. The safe intake levels defined by Consumer Reports are lower than the safe intake levels determined by Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). PEN Team asked: what data are these organizations using to determine their safe intake levels, and why do they differ?

Consumer Reports, an American organization, recently published a report on contaminants (such as arsenic and lead) that may be found in infant formulas. The PEN Team asked: what were the findings, and are they relevant to people living outside the USA?

Social media influencers are sharing their gut health struggles and tips to "hack" your gut” using hashtags such as #guttok, #guthealth and #guthealing. Recently, this included promoting the use of L-glutamine supplements to heal the gastrointestinal system. The content targets individuals experiencing various ailments, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating and other symptoms associated with a ‘leaky gut’.