At $4.19 for 14 ounces, Muscle Milk appeals to those trying to lose weight and gain muscle because it’s meant to sustain energy and control appetite while creating muscle. Muscle Milk is basically quick release protein, but often the quick release proteins react differently with different body types.

“I don’t drink protein drinks [like Muscle Milk] because I’m afraid it will work against my body growth instead of help it. I may try it when I’m older, but I don’t see myself using it any time soon,” said eighth grader Maile Evans.

Muscle Milk, created by General Nutrition Center (GNC) to “provide the highest quality nutritional products to professional and amateur athletes,” has been accused of extreme side effects despite its 20 minerals and vitamins.

“I’d probably never use Muscle Milk. I see a lot of advertisements for it, but I don’t feel all that compelled to drink it. I would feel like I’m spending money I don’t need to,” said junior Malia Weisskopf.

One side effect is weight gain. A serving contains roughly 330 calories, and with the consumption of Muscle Milk multiple times throughout the day, calorie intake goes up, eventually leading to weight gain.

Another reported side effect is stomach cramps. Some users have complained about getting “really nasty stomach aches” after drinking Muscle Milk due to the high amount of fructose in the product.

“I worked out a lot during the summer. In hopes to appear leaner, I tried Muscle Milk for a while and loved it. It doesn’t taste terrible, and it made me feel great. I stopped after a while because I wasn’t getting really noticeable results and my weight would often fluctuate,” said junior Angel Puesta.

“Consumer Reports” tested 15 protein drinks for contaminants including harmful metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. One of those tested was Muscle Milk.

In the test, all four metals were found in Muscle Milk’s chocolate powder when three servings were consumed. It also contained the highest amount of three metals of the 15 products tested and surpassed the United States Pharmacopeial Convention’s (USP) daily limits for metal intake.

Muscle Milk’s vanilla creme also contained three metals that surpassed the USP’s daily limits when three servings were consumed. The high level of cadium found in Muscle Milk can end in kidney damage, and it may take the body 40 years to rid itself of the cadium consumed.

While people are exposed to these metals in some fashion, Muscle Milk can be avoided because protein requirements for the day can be met through diet. Fitness advisers say to get an idea of how many grams of protein the body needs in one day, multiple body weight by 0.4.

“I’ve thought of using Muscle Milk because a lot of my family members who are really into fitness use it, but I’ve never really gotten around to it because I don’t do much physical activity,” said junior Meryl Tagata-Mindo.

Although Muscle Milk is high in fat and calories, ingredients in Muscle Milk are great for burning fat and building muscle because the fats Muscle Milk contain are fats that the body absorbs and burns easily. Healthy fats and the many forms of carbohydrates in the drink may give a person a boost in energy that will also improve endurance and performance. It also contains high levels of vitamin A and D.

“I drink a variety of protein drinks after I lift and train. I’ve used Muscle Milk once or twice. I’m forced to drink it because my trainers tell me to, but I don’t mind because it tastes good,” said sophomore Raven Sapla.