Protein Supplements

Protein supplements are a form of nutrition source and alternative food product that are often used by athletes and body builders in order to ensure that they receive the amount of protein intake that they require every day in order to meet their goals. There are several different types of protein supplements, including protein bars, protein powders, meal replacements, and weight gainers.

The average protein supplements will usually contain somewhere from 20 to 30 grams of protein within every serving. They are generally also fortified with minerals and vitamins on top of that macronutrient. They come in a wide range of brands, forms, and flavors. Among them, fruit flavors are most common in the powders, weight gainers are most popular in cookies and cream, and protein bars are most popular in peanut butter.

There are many different terms that are used in the protein supplements marketplace. Becoming familiar with them can help you to make the best choice for your own needs. Some of them include the following:

• Isolate
• This is a single source of protein that has received chemical purification so that the protein is as pure as possible. Typically, an isolate has 90 percent or more pure protein.
• Concentrate
• These sources usually contain 70 to 85 percent protein and will often include more carbs and fats. Whey protein is in this category, and it also includes lactose.
• Blend
• These are a combination of a number of different sources and levels of purity. They are typically more affordable than isolates and are usually a combination of sources that are both fast and slow to digest.
• Amino Acids
• These are protein building blocks. The essential version of these substances cannot be synthesized and therefore must be consumed in food or protein supplements.
• Branched Chain Amino Acids
• These include isoleucine, leucine, and valine. These are essential amino acids and are vital to the synthesis of protein.
• Weight Gainers
• These are protein supplements (usually powders) that are high in calories to help athletes and body builders who need to gain mass quickly.
• Meal Replacements
• These are protein supplements that are designed to provide the nutrition and balance that can replace an entire prepared food meal.
• Recovery blend
• This type of product is meant to help the muscles and other parts of the body to recover after a workout.

Many athletes and bodybuilders try to make sure that they receive between 5 and 8 small meals that are high in protein every day. Protein supplements are helpful in making sure that this can be accomplished, even in a busy lifestyle that doesn’t allow for a large number of meal breaks.