The Truth and Misconceptions Protein Supplements The Truth and Misconceptions

Protein Quality Amino acid composition Digestibility Bioavailability of amino acids

Amino Acids Building blocks of protein 20 in the human body 9 – Essential (EAA) or Indispensable

EAA Can not be manufactured Supplied by diet Insufficient intake= protein deficiency

Protein Malnutrition Common after surgery Malabsorption Restriction Food Intolerances

Evaluation of Protein Quality Protein Efficiency Ratio Biological Value Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS)

Protein Efficiency Ratio Measures weight gain of growing animal/amount of protein animal consumes Limitation: looked at rats only, not humans

Biological Value Calculates nitrogen used for tissue formation/nitrogen absorbed from food Measures how efficient body utilizes protein consumed Limitation: measures potential quality

PDCAAS Official method adopted by WHO, US FDA, US Dept of Agriculture Most accurate way to evaluate protein quality

PDCAAS Uses amino acid requirements of 2-5 yr olds Highest Score 1.0 1.0=100% of indispensable amino acids is provided after digestion

PDCAAS Limitations: Overestimates in elderly Digestion in terminal ileum Anti-nutritional Factors

PDCAAS calculation: Analyze nitrogen (N) composition Calculate protein content (N*6.25) Analyze EAA profile Determine amino acid score mg EAA in 1g test protein mg in 1g reference protein

PDCAAS Calculation: Analyze for digestibility Calculate protein score= lowest uncorrected amino acid score * digestibility

Sources of Protein Animal Plant Protein supplements Whey Soy Hydrolyzed Collagen

Whey Protein Recognized for use in sports & medical nutrition products Milk Protein High EAA content Contains lactose/minerals Available in concentrate & isolate forms

Whey Concentrate FDA Rules: needs to provide only 25% protein (typical range 35-80%) 55% lactose/minerals 1-7% fat

Whey Isolate FDA Rules: at least 90% protein Negligible lactose/minerals <1% fat Isolate is filtered concentrate

Soy Complete protein (only plant source) Contains all EAA Isolate= contains 90% pro. Concentrate= contains 70%

Hydrolyzed Collagen Called “Bullets” or “Shooters” Not good source of “high quality” protein (supplementwatch.com) Only 18% EAA whereas isolate has 47% (nutritiondata.com)

Protein Scores: Whey Isolate 1.0 Whey Conc. ? Milk 1.0 Egg 1.0 Soy .91-.99 Collagen 0-.37

Conclusions: Choose supplements made from whey isolate and soy Avoid whey concentrate and hydrolyzed collagen based products

mmpc Michigan Weight Loss Specialists THANK YOU Christine Becker, MS RD mmpc Michigan Weight Loss Specialists 4100 Lake Drive, Suite B01 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 974-4400 cbecker@mmpc.com