stronglk, Author at STRONG LK

February 20, 2024

Concentrate vs Isolate vs Hydrolyzed

Embarking on a fitness or wellness journey often involves a consideration of various nutritional supplements, and when it comes to protein, the choices can be both plentiful and perplexing. Amidst the myriad options, the debate between concentrate, isolate, and hydrolyzed protein takes center stage. Each variant brings its unique set of characteristics to the table, influencing factors like absorption, purity, and overall effectiveness. In this exploration, we delve into the nuances of concentrate, isolate, and hydrolyzed protein, dissecting their distinctions to guide you in choosing the protein supplement that aligns perfectly with your fitness goals and lifestyle. Let’s unravel the intricacies of these protein powerhouses to empower your informed decision-making on the path to optimal nutrition and performance.

When choosing between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, it’s important to understand their key differences.

Whey Concentrate is created by concentrating milk proteins in whey. After undergoing processes like microfiltration, it typically contains around 80% protein by weight, with the remaining 20% consisting of milk sugars, fats, and flavoring ingredients, including lactose.

Whey Concentrate is a suitable choice for most people as it provides similar fitness benefits to isolate, including recovery and muscle growth.

Whey Protein Concentrate can be further categorized based on its quality:

Lower End Whey Protein Concentrated (contains 29 % of Protein )

Higher End Whey protein Concentrated (contains 89 % of Protein )

Higher End Whey Protein is treated as the most suitable dietary supplement for muscle building. This form of Protein is also suitable for easy flavoring.

Whey Isolate, on the other hand, goes through further isolation processes such as ion exchange filtration and ultrafiltration. This results in a protein content of 90% or more by weight, higher than concentrate. Importantly, it removes most, if not all, of the remaining lactose and virtually all the fat.

Whey Isolate, however, is a better option for those with lactose intolerance since it contains little to no lactose. It also offers a slightly higher protein content per serving, making it ideal for individuals, especially athletes, who need precise protein tracking. Keep in mind that you may pay a premium for these differences.
Misconception: Gold Standard is not a pure Isolate, it’s a blend of Isolate, Concentrate and Hydrolyzed

Whey Hydrolyzed overcomes lactose intolerance that only a few people face, because they are sensitive to the “LACTALBUMIN” in Whey Isolate and concentrate. Which is why have Whey Hydrolyzed is recommended for them. The type of whey is Pre-digested and contains virtually no lactose and removes the LACTALBUMIN. One of the advantages that this has over the other two mentioned above is that Whey Hydrolyzed contains certain peptides which stimulate fat burning hormones. So anyone can tolerate a hydrolyzed whey it’s extremely hypoallergenic. And this is the most expensive form of whey. Hydrolysate Proteins are easy to digest and give more insulin as compared to Whey concentrate and isolate (28% more). Studies show that insulin is more effective in pushing fuel into body muscles.

All whey concentrate, whey isolate and share the same amino acid profile, making them highly absorbable and digestible for most Sri Lankans. They also contain beneficial components like immunoglobulins and lactoferrins, contributing to overall health. In terms of fitness benefits, all these can aid in exercise recovery, with no clear advantage of one over the other unless its more tailored for your needs.

In essence, they are all protein sources, and your total protein intake, whether from whey concentrate, isolate, or whole foods, is what matters most. In summary, for the majority of individuals, whey concentrate is a practical and cost-effective choice. However, whey isolate becomes more beneficial for those with lactose intolerance or specific protein measurement requirements, though it may come at a higher price. So those who are more allergic to whey Isolate and whey Hydrolyzed would be nice.

Misconception: Dymatize ISO 100 is not a pure Hydrolyzed, it’s a blend of Isolate and Hydrolyzed

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024

In Featured, Nutritionby stronglk

Things to look in the label

In a world where health and wellness are paramount, navigating the sea of dietary supplements can be both empowering and overwhelming. The key to making informed choices lies in the details, often found within the seemingly intricate labels adorning supplement bottles. These labels serve as a roadmap, providing crucial information about what you’re putting into your body.

Understanding how to decipher these labels can make the difference between a worthwhile addition to your health regimen and a product that falls short of expectations. In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries behind supplement labels, shedding light on the essential elements to scrutinize before making your next purchase. From nutritional content to quality assurances, embark with us on a journey through the fine print, empowering yourself to make informed decisions that align with your health and wellness goals.

Proprietary blends

Proprietary blends in protein products can be concerning for consumers because they don’t disclose the exact amounts of ingredients in the blend. This means you might get lower-quality proteins in the mix, even if the total protein content is claimed to be high. To avoid this, check the protein per serving relative to the serving size – higher protein per serving indicates higher quality. Be cautious of blends that provide less protein and more fillers if the amount of ingredients percentage is not specified. Also according to the FDA in the ingredientes section of a product label has to be in descending order of the items used, therefore the first ingredient in the label is the most used one.

Amino Spiking

Protein spiking typically involves using non-protein nitrogen-containing substances like creatine or glutamine to artificially increase the protein content of a product. To avoid falling into this trap, be wary of ingredient lists that include these amino acids as potential indicators of protein spiking. Choosing products with transparent amino acid profiles and third-party testing helps ensure protein quality and minimizes the risk of spiking.

Eg. MusclePharm Protein Spiking Lawsuit 2015

Serving Size

Apart from scientific data, some companies use subtle tricks to make their products appear more appealing to consumers. One such tactic is manipulating the serving size on the label. They increase the serving size (resulting in lower protein per serving) but prominently display this larger serving size on the label. However, they may include a larger scoop inside the container, not accounting for its weight in the measurements. For instance, the label may indicate a 30g serving size, but when measured with the included scoop (excluding its weight), it may actually be 40g. This can give the impression of higher protein per serving, but it reduces the number of servings in the container.

As a consumer when you are comparing two products, it’s essential to consider the total weight of the container and check the nutritional information based on 100g to make a fair comparison. This ensures that you’re comparing products accurately and not being misled by variations in serving size and scoop weight.

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