Is there a standard quality of protein? And what's up with all the whey protein variations? When formulating all Ladder's products, I had answers to these questions. Still, I quickly learned that the supplement industry has a shady side that has nothing to do with illegal ingredients or harmful products.
Your body may not get what you think it is from the "good" supplements you take. That's because the efficiency with which various whey proteins are absorbed may vary.
Moreover, it is almost too easy for supplement companies to lie about what is on the label due to the number of loopholes in supplement labeling.
According to a recent study, official health agencies have issued nearly 800 warnings about dietary supplements containing harmful ingredients in the last decade. The USDA found that the offending ingredients were not listed on the packaging in almost all cases (98%).
Choose a product with third-party certification if you want assurance that the information on the label is correct. NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, and BSCG are all excellent choices. Be aware that if a product's label claims something is in it, but a third party still needs to verify it, you can assume that the claims aren't valid.
What is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is widely regarded as the best type of protein for several reasons, including its high levels of BCAAs, low levels of carbohydrates and fat, and complete amino acid profile. It has a high absorption rate, so the protein it contains can be used by the body to promote muscle growth and repair.
How Is Whey Protein Made?
Whey is a byproduct of the cheesemaking process and originates from milk. Enzymes are required to transform a gallon of milk into cheese. The liquid separates into liquid and curds as a result of this. The remaining fluid, known as whey, is composed entirely of protein.
Whey Protein Concentrate
The most fundamental type of whey protein is whey protein concentrate. It doesn't make whey protein concentrate bad, but it does mean that its purity can vary widely due to the rules governing its sale.
To legally be labeled as a "concentrate," a product must contain between 35% and 80% protein by weight.
It is a significant consideration if you're concerned about your protein intake and utilization. If you measure out 100 grams of protein powder, for example, and between 35 and 80 grams of that is protein, you can call it a concentrate.
That's a wide margin for error, making independent verification all the more crucial. With independent verification, it can be easier to determine the precise amount of protein in a product that claims to contain whey protein concentrate. Whey protein concentrate, if it lives up to the claims made on the label, is a financially and nutritionally sound choice for most consumers.