Type of Protein Supplement

Hey everyone! I thought I had researched this to death and figured out from these boards that the best type of protein supplement for DSers is whey protein isolate.

But I was reading dsfacts.com today (again) and this is what it says about protein:

"...make sure your protein powder or drink states that it is pre-digested or hydrolized. And the best kind of protein would be a whey blend protein. Second best would be a 100% whey protein. Isolates, though good for a quick acting pick-me-up, are not sufficient alone for post-op DS patients on-going maintenance requirements."

So have I been using the wrong protein powders??? (I'm using Syntrax Nectar which is whey protein isolate.)

Hi Amy,

We did a search for you on the subject of DS and protein Supplements.  Here is the link, we hope this helps.....

http://www.obesityhelp.com/search/action,search_oh/?q=DS%2C+ protein+suppliments&cx=000946886326336472648%3Ae-vpeg4uyxw&c of=FORID%3A9

That was written a year or so before most of the protein powder companies started changing their protein formulas to cut costs. There likely aren't any protein blends now that use whey protein isolate as the first ingredient (pre-digested/hydrolized) and whey protein concentrate as a secondary ingredient. That was the preferred combo. Now about the best you can do is buy a 100% whey protein isolate and add a 1/2 scoop of a cheaper whey protein concentrate when you blend a shake. 

My favorite whey protein isolates are Syntrax Nectar Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Truffle, Cappuccino, and Strawberry Mousse. Also, Jay Robb vanilla and chocolate. I'm sure there are a couple of others...Isopure, Unjury, and...drawing a blank.

--gina

Amy,

Hydrolyzed protein is the best protein because it is broken down (partly digested molecules) that let your body absorb the protein more.  But the draw back on this is the expense.

Whey isolate is whey protein that has been filtered so there is more protein per gram of powders.

Whey concentrate is protein that is the base, processed protein from the manufacturers.  It's a good source of protein, should be the cheapest of the three, but there is only 80% absorbable protein per gram of powders.  You will see this when you look at the back labels - protein will be 16-20 grams, as opposed to 30 grams for whey isolates.

There is nothing wrong with protein concentrate, it just takes more and it isn't as readily available to the body.  Hydrolyzed is the most available to the body - but very expensive.  Whey isolate is in the middle as far as quality and price.

My advice: find a powder you like.  Pick a quality brand (Google this issue, and body builder sites will tell you which brands are good and which are scams). 

I tend to use different brands - one is hydrolyzed, two are whey isolates.  I would not have a problem using a concentrate if I really liked the taste - you just have to use more of it. 

Make sure you check your labs and see how your protein numbers are going.  If they are dropping, you need to switch to better quality protein and more of it.  If your numbers are doing well, you can drop the quality (because you eat a lot of proteins now) and drink whey concentrates more (cheaper).

It's all about balancing price verses quality verses quantity.