Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research studies on Protein Powders Dietary Supplements
Protein powder is a popular dietary supplement added to milk or fruit juice. Protein dietary supplements are composed of protein and other amino acids that help provide the extra building blocks that aid the growth and repair of muscles and other important body tissues.Protein shakes are also used amongst the seniors who suffer from a gradual decline in muscle mass, strength, and endurance.
Many people also use protein powder dietary supplements for weight loss. A widespread practice is the consumption of protein powders as part of weight loss regimes. They help many individuals feel full, which stops them over eating, resulting in a lower daily calorie intake, which brings about weight loss.
Various types of Protein Powder Dietary supplements
There are various types of protein powder sourced from plants or animals. The best- selling protein powders are made from:
Whey – Dairy source, 25-80% protein of the weight of the concentrate. Also contains natural forms of lactose, fat and cholesterol. This dietary supplement is quickly absorbed.
Casein – The complete protein which high in glut amine content. Glut amine is the most abundant free amino acid in human muscle. This dietary supplement is dairy based and slowly absorbed.
Soy – Plant-based and ideal for vegetarians and vegans. It’sprotein value is essentially equivalent to that of food proteins of animal origin.
Rice – Plant-based and much of the rice seed is carbohydrate. Rice protein is considered as hypoallergenic, i.e. low potential for allergic reactions.
Pea – Plant-based and low in the non-essential amino acids cystine and methionine. Pea protein is a good source of the amino acid arginine.
Management of Protein Powders Dietary Supplements
Protein supplements are marketed for different outcomes, such as weight gain, weight loss, and weight management. However, for each outcome, the timing of intake is important.
For weight loss, it is recommended to take protein supplements either with a meal or as a meal replacement. Some Complementary and Alternative Medicine research studies show that consuming protein dietary supplements before meals can increase body mass and consuming these dietary supplements with meals may promote the reduction of fat mass.
Dangers highlighted by Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Studies
A Complementary and Alternative Medicine research study by Delimar is in 2013 revealed that many adult athletes or body builders self-prescribe protein dietary supplements. However, overuse of these supplements can result in a metabolic burden on the bones, kidneys, and liver.
Other dangers include health problems as many of these dietary supplements contain lactose while others also contain too much sugar, e.g. up to 23 grams per scoop.
Take Home Messages of Protein Dietary Supplements
In many instances, short-term use of protein dietary supplements can be beneficial, e.g. short-term weight loss program or weight control supplement in the elderly. However,overuse of these supplements can cause severe damage to health. The best advice is always to source your nutrition from natural fresh foods as opposed to processed foods.
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