Do you consider yourself to be an expert on protein supplements? Here are 15 things you might not know about this famous product and the labor that goes into manufacturing it.
1. Think About The Source
Whey, casein, peas, rice, and eggs, to mention a few, may all be used to make protein supplements, but these sources are not necessarily interchangeable. Whey, for example, is absorbed and used more faster than casein, making it a far more popular post-workout recovery option. Varied sources contain different amino acid compositions and, as a result, are of greater or poorer quality. Lactose sensitivity, dietary allergies, and whether you are a vegetarian or vegan are all considerations that might (and should) impact your decision.
2. They Might Be Rich In Heavy Metals
Consumer Reports identified unsafe amounts of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in many popular protein supplements in a 2010 investigation. These drugs can harm your brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs, causing a variety of significant health problems.
3. Other “Undisclosed Ingredients”
Because protein powders, like other supplements, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unscrupulous producers may include ingredients not specified on the label in the finished product. Professional sportsmen who tested positive for steroids after ingesting MuscleTech’s Nitro-Tech powder sued MuscleTech twice in 2005. The steroid precursors norandrostenedione and androstenediol were stated to be present in the powder by both athletes.
things were not stated on the package. Despite the fact that a corporate official rejects the allegations, it’s worth noting that both lawsuits were resolved out of court.
4. Most Protein Powders Are Bleached
Protein supplement producers, like other food manufacturers, are very concerned with all elements of the final product, including aesthetics. Whey has a somewhat yellow hue in its normal condition, which is often regarded undesirable. Manufacturers utilize a bleaching chemical, usually benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, to “correct” this. In addition to being an unpleasant concept, the usage of these substances alters the way your body processes the nutrients in whey. So, while the simple white powder may appear to be more appealing, it really produces a lower-quality supplement.
5. Whey Isn’t Normally Blue (Or Pink Or Orange)
This one may seem self-evident, but in light of the prior topic, it’s worth emphasizing. After the items have been bleached, they are coloured since white isn’t as fascinating as pale yellow. These colors are, of course, artificial additives, some of which have been linked to a variety of health disorders, including behavioral troubles and an increased risk of cancer.
6. They’re Given A Lengthy Acid Bath.
Mixability, or how easily the powder dissolves, is another component of protein supplements that manufacturers are worried with. Companies frequently use acid and other ways to partly dissolve the protein in order to increase this grade. While this improves the supplement’s mixability, it also kills many of the beneficial elements found in the original source.
7. It Might Be A Low-Quality Powder
Protein powders are rarely manufactured by the same firm that sells them. When the raw liquid whey is powdered, it can get damaged, whether it is excessively dry, burnt, or has another flaw. It’s still whey, but it doesn’t meet all of the industry’s requirements. As a result, the powder’s creators offer to sell it to supplement companies at a reduced price. However, once that supplement firm has finished coloring, flavoring, and doing everything else to it, the faulty powder is sold for the same price as the good material. This isn’t just a matter of flavor, appearance, or mixability; improper processing can diminish the product’s bioavailability, making it less valuable.
8. Added Aminos Mean Low Quality
As previously stated, a protein’s “quality” is determined by the amount and bioavailability of its amino acid composition. Occasionally, a protein powder is derived from such low-quality sources and is highly processed to the point that it has no value by the time it reaches the container. As a result, the practice of “protein spiking” arose. As a filler, low-cost amino acids are backloaded into a protein powder. The company may still say that their product is “100 percent whatever” because these aren’t actually another protein source. Amino acids can also be obtained from less desirable sources, such as animal pelt.
9. Salmon Protein Hydrolysate Is A Noxious Substance.
You may have seen this mixed up with a variety of other protein sources in your protein supplements. And it may appear to be a positive thing at first. After all, isn’t salmon excellent for you? Salmon protein hydrolysate is code for “salmon sludge,” which is a concern. When a fish is processed into flesh, the bones, organs, and other bits and pieces are mashed together and combined with digestive enzymes to break it down. Salmon protein hydrolysate is what it’s called. But it’s not simply that it’s disgusting. According to studies, this goop not only doesn’t assist but rather hinders performance in trained athletes.
10. Whey Is Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts
Yes, the number of amino acids in a protein supplement is one of the factors used to determine its “quality.” Amino acids, on the other hand, are frequently damaged during processing or are missing entirely from a protein powder. Companies just add them back in to get around this. It’s possible that this isn’t helping. A unique research compared the advantages of total whey protein to its amino acid composition. Even when the amino acids were given in the exact same quantities in whey, the full, untreated whey outperformed its amino acid portions, according to the study. So a supplement that reintroduces amino acids isn’t going to help you.
11. Most Come From The Same Place
Competitive supplements, regardless of their labeling or marketing, are essentially the same substance. As indicated briefly in number 6, the great majority of protein powders on the market are created by a small number of corporations, who then sell the powder to other companies for further processing and modification. These firms frequently own supplement companies that sell protein powders as well. The fact is that most of the large companies are selling you the same powder, regardless of which brand you like.
12. They Aren’t Concerned With Quality
You may have figured it out by now, but this point is so crucial that it merits its own section. The bulk of the… unappealing chemicals and procedures mentioned above (and in a previous piece) are driven by one thing: profit. Manufacturers can offer you an inferior product at an inflated price by adding items like salmon protein hydrolysate, damaged protein, and other fillers.
13. They Are Supplements
We frequently forget that supplements are, by definition, something added. They should be added to an existing high-quality diet in this situation. Protein supplements will not miraculously transform your physique if the rest of your diet is a disaster or you aren’t exercising.
14. Contains Harmful Hormones
According to a study, recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) included in protein drinks and powders can damage both cows and humans. It is harmful to the reproductive and digestive systems, as well as blood cell levels.
15. Causes Acute Allergies
Lactose has been shown to damage microvilli and permits dangerous chemicals to enter your blood vessels. Even if you are not lactose sensitive, you will be surprised to learn that all protein drinks and powders include a large quantity of lactose, which might hurt your health.