Do you need protein powder? What to look for in a protein powder!

Protein is exceptionally important! It is an essential macronutrient, critical for countless processes within the body. Protein is especially important for anyone concerned with muscle retention, growth and/or recovery.

Although whole foods are best, consuming protein in the form of protein powder can be useful at certain times, especially for those who exercise and train regularly. Supplementation of protein in the post-training period may assist optimisation of recovery and subsequent performance (1). 

But with so many different options, how do you know which one to choose? This article includes: what to look for in a protein powder, different protein powder sources and whether protein powder is for you!

Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids of which there are different categories:

Essential amino acids (EAA): amino acids that the body cannot synthesise itself and must be gained through the diet.

Non-essential amino acids: amino acids that the body can synthesise itself. 

Conditionally essential amino acids: amino acids that the body can make but isn’t always able to make – it is dependent upon the status of the body and its priorities i.e. whether you are training hard, sick or undernourished.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA): a subcategory of EAA, specifically leucine, isoleucine and valine that are particularly important for initiating muscle protein synthesis.

Protein quality

Protein quality is a measure of a protein source’s ability to provide adequate quantities of the EAA required for protein synthesis (2). Protein quality may have an effect on short and long term adaptations to exercise (1). A complete protein source includes sufficient sources of all of the nine different EAA, whereas an incomplete protein source is lacking or low in EAA. 

Plant proteins are incomplete protein sources because they lack or are low in specific amino acids and therefore may be lower in protein quality. Hence, the creation of blended plant proteins! For example, a pea/rice blend has a full EAA profile and is therefore a higher protein quality. 

For those of you concerned with muscular retention/gains and the muscle protein synthesis process, the BCAA leucine is especially important. Leucine is necessary for initiating muscle protein synthesis – this is critical for both the adaptive and recovery processes following training sessions (3). Protein supplementation with a higher content of leucine, in combination with resistance training stimulates muscle protein synthesis to the greatest degree (4).

Animal based vs plant-based protein 

Animal based protein powders are the most bioavailable source of amino acids and contain all EAA. Whey protein has the highest leucine source. For individuals who may be lactose intolerance (5), whey may not be suitable – there may be impaired absorption of protein as well as symptoms of digestive discomfort – a bloated stomach, cramps/pains, or feeling sick (6). 

Additionally, individuals may wish to choose a plant based protein powder based on personal preferences – such as environmental and/or ethical opinions.  Ultimately whether you choose animal or plant-based protein is down to your physiology and personal preference.

• Intolerances/sensitivities

Include intolerance/sensitivity to eggs and/or dairy. Soy is also an allergen. Additionally added ingredients, such as bulkers, fillers and sweeteners may be a source of intolerances/sensitivity causing gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms.

• Added ingredients

Protein powders often have a variety of ingredients added to them. Sugar based sweeteners include: honey, maple syrup, cane sugar, brown rice syrup, coconut sugar, molasses and agave. Consumption of high amounts of sugars can contribute to the production of harmful substances in the body (ROS), an imbalance of energy and are associated with detrimental effects on health (8,9,10).

Artificial sweeteners added include: sucralose, aspartame, saccharin; sugar alcohols: sorbital, malitol and erythritol. Artificial sweeteners are indicated to affect the gut microbiome, some are indicated to influence the insulin response and may be detrimental to health (8,9,10). “Natural” sweeteners commonly included are: stevia and monkfruit. There is less research on their impact currently available. Sugar alcohols are another added potential ingredient which may contribute to digestive upsets (39). 

Protein powders frequently have thickening agents added (examples are guar gum/ xantham gum, dextrins, inulin) and emulsifiers (such as carrageenan, lecithins). Although small amounts of thickening agents and emulsifiers are indicated to be safe (11), there is growing research to indicate that they may impact gut and metabolic health (12). 

Research on the impact of these types of added ingredients is still relatively new – if you are considering including these types of added ingredients, be aware of how much you are having of them and check how far down the ingredient list they are. Anything that’s stated at the beginning of the ingredient list, there will be more of and less is at the end. Additionally, unless the protein powder is unflavoured, then a flavouring will be included too, so watch out for that!

Different protein sources:

Whey protein

Pros: a complete protein that includes full range of amino acids; is absorbed and digested quickly; contains the highest proportion of BCAAs; contains highest content of leucine.

Cons: not advised for any autoimmune/allergen issue and or sensitive/intolerant to dairy as associated with digestive issues. 

Casein protein

Pros: complete protein that includes full range of amino acids; more slowly absorbed than whey which may be beneficial for overnight periods.

Cons: not advised for any autoimmune/allergen issue and or sensitive/intolerant to dairy.

Soy protein

Pros: complete protein source; may produce similar gains in strength and lean body mass as whey (in combination with resistance training) (13). 

Cons: soy protein is a common allergen so avoid if any autoimmune/allergen issue (13). Soy has received controversial attention regarding hormonal health, but research indicates that it is not harmful to male or female hormonal health (14,15). 

Pea protein

Pros: good plant-based source of BCAA; rich in amino acid lysine; highly digestible; hypo-allergenic. Pea protein may be the superior plant protein due to its content of lysine which may contribute to the activation of the muscle synthesis signalling pathway (16). Some research indicates that pea protein supplementation performs equally well as whey protein supplementation for body composition, force production, performance and strength (17).

Cons: incomplete protein source – low in essential amino acid methionine (18).

Rice protein 

Pros: hypo-allergenic and almost a complete protein source. A comparison of rice and whey protein supplementation in conjunction with resistance exercise shows them to both improve lean body mass, muscle mass, strength and power equally well (19)!

Cons: incomplete protein – low in amino acid lysine (19).

Hemp protein

Pros: high in fiber, high source of omega-3 fats 

Cons: incomplete protein – low in amino acid lysine; overall lowest protein content per average scoop of protein powder.

Blends – pea/rice blend:

The combination of two plant based proteins facilitates a robust amino acid profile whilst remaining plant based and/or avoiding risk of food intolerances/sensitives. To replicate the effects of whey protein, whilst keeping it hypoallergenic and plant based, add some leucine to the pea/rice blend.

Pros: complete protein sources which complement one another; hypoallergenic; both shown to perform equally well to whey for muscle mass, strength, body composition and performance (18)

Cons: slightly lower in protein that some other plant-based options.

Do you need protein powder?

Although protein powder isn’t an essential, meeting your protein requirements is. Sometimes it can be challenging to consume adequate protein depending on individual requirements, training volume, body size and daily life. As well as having greater protein requirements, athletes training multiple times a day have fewer opportunities to consume recovery meals and ensuring protein intake within a window following training may promote recovery and future performance (1).

Times when protein powder supplementation may be especially helpful:

Meal replacement: combining protein powder with some vegetables, a tasty fat source such as brazil nuts and blending with some water/plant based milk is a quick and easy way of getting a delicious and nutrient dense meal in. Think whole foods meets fast foods. There are plenty of other blender based meals using similar ingredients which can provide a variety of quick and tasty meals whilst ensuring that you hit your protein requirements – soups, waffles, pancakes, muffins, cookies, oatmeal, mug cakes etc. 

Muscle gain: if you’re looking to gain muscle, then ensuring adequate protein and calories following your workout is key. A protein shake is a no fuss way to provide this. For example, a tasty shake post training session: pea/rice protein mix with added leucine, plant based milk and pre frozen mango and banana with some sprinkled coconut flakes for some crunch on the top.

Weight loss: upping your ratio of protein intake is a useful tool to retain lean muscle and starve off hunger. If you’re looking to go lower carb with your weight loss then think less fruit and go for the lower carb options (such as berries) and get some quality filling sources of fibre in there from some veg like courgette/spinach/cauliflower. 

Recovery/athletic performance: ensuring overall calorie and macronutrient intakes are met is essential for optimising athletic recovery (3) and a protein shake is a simple, no fuss solution to ensure that you meet your recovery needs. Taking a protein shake post training ensures you can replenish the body with the adequate nutrients and calories it requires.

A post-workout protein shake may improve both recovery (20, 21) and future performance (22,23). Also, a protein shake in the post workout window may be particularly important for certain individuals – for example, individuals who compete at a high level within athletics, pro bodybuilders, very lean individuals, or those who are engaging in more than one exercise/activity session a day or longer sessions. 

Low appetite: for anyone who finds it challenging to get in their calorie needs then a smoothie with protein powder can be a great way of easily getting in your energy requirements, whilst keeping it nutrient dense and including great whole food sources!

Take aways:

Meeting protein requirements is critical regardless of your goal: gaining muscle, losing weight, retaining muscle, improving strength and performance and enhancing recovery.

Protein powder may be a useful tool to meet your goals: whether it’s for convenience or you are training multiple times a day then protein powder can be a handy way to meet your calorie and macro requirements. Depending on the individual, taken in the post exercise window, may optimise the recovery and performance. 

When choosing a protein powder consider protein quality, BCAA and leucine content and any added ingredients: the beauty of a making your own protein shake is that you get to choose what is in it! So choose a protein powder that suits you – what works for your body and personal preferences!

References:

1. Cintineo et al. (2018). Effects of protein supplementation on performance and recovery in resistance and endurance training. 
2. Millward et al. (2008). Protein quality assessment: impact of expanding understanding of protein and amino acid needs for optimal health.
3. Weigle et al. (2005). A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. 
4. Garlick et al. (2005). The role of leucine in the regulation of protein metabolism. 
5. Tang et al. (2009). Ingestion of whey hydrosolate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men.
6. Storhaug et al. (2017). Country, regional and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 
7. Saraiva et al. (2020). Natural sweeteners: the relevance of food naturalness for consumers, food security aspects, sustainability and health impacts. 
8. Sharma et al. (2016). Artificial sweetners as a sugar substitute: are they really safe?
9. Brown et al. (2010). Artificial sweeteners: a systematic review of metabolic effects in youth.
10. O’Connor et al. (2018). Intakes and sources of dietary sugars and their association with metabolic and inflammatory markers. 
11. Centre for food safety, nutrition A. Generally recognised as safe (GRAS). U.S. Food and drug administration. 2019.
12. Partridge et al. (2019). Food additives: assessing the impact of exposure to permitted emulsifiers on bowel and metabolic health – introduce the FADiets study. 
13. Messina et al. (2018). No difference between the effects of supplementing with soy protein versus animal protein on gains in muscle mass and strength in response to resistance exercise. 
14. Turnbull et al. (2014). Review article: the diagnosis and management of food allergy and food intolerances. 
15. Hamilton-Reeves et al. (2010). Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis.
16. Chen et al. (2014). Association between soy isoflavone intake and breast cancer for pre and post-menopausal women: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. 
17. Babault et al. (2015). Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-bind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial vs whey protein. 
18. Banaszek et al. (2019). The effects of whey vs pea protein on physical adaptations following 8-weeks of high intensity functional training: a pilot study. 
19. Gorrisen et al. (2018). Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. 
20. Huang et al. (2017). Whey protein improves marathon-induced injury and exercise performance in elite track runners.
21. Cockburn et al. (2010). Effect of milk-based carb protein supplement timing on the attenuation of exercise-induced muscle damage.
22. Kephart et al. (2016). Ten weeks of branched-chain amino acid supplementation improves select performance and immunological variables in trained cyclists.
23. Cockburn et al. (2013). Effect of milk on team sport performance after exercise-induced muscle damage.