what makes a protein supplement a good one?

[wendyp]

I've been using a protein drink the past few months, assuming it was good. But now after reading a bunch of stuff here and at other web sites I'm starting to get confused as to how you know whether your protein drink is being used as protein or going to waste as fat or just getting burned off /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif?

How do you know which stuff to buy?

Oh, the one I've been using is by Optimum Nutrition and it says 100% Whey on it. I am lactose intolerant and I don't have any of those bad side effects from this product.

Thank you!

[soccerchick]

as far as i know optimum is a good protein. its what i use. what did you read that said it was bad?

[wendyp]

Oh what a relief! I can't remember which forum, I think it was the nutrition one here at abc. There was a thread where someone advised someone else to not use Designer protein because it was hydrolyzed whey and that wasn't good. Then on the Beverly site it talks a lot about how if you don't have the right protein it doesn't get used properly. My bottle of Optimium says "low molecular weight and partially hydrolyzed whey peptides". So that's what got me worrying!

[Elle]

I use Biotest Grow!. This company has the reputation of being very honest about the ingredients in their products and therefore don't throw in all that garbage. That goes for their bars as well. As a bonus, this is the best protein drink I have ever tasted...and I only add in water and Udo's!

[TheIcon]

There are different kinds of proteins. Some are slow and some a quicker.

Whey - quick
Casein - slow
Soy - slow

There is also isolate and concentrate.

Isolate (like Designer) - These go through a long process of filtering out fats and carbohydrates. These usually contain a higher level of protein than concentrate. (around 90%) Meaning you take in about 90% of the protein.

Concentrate (like Optimium) - These are not filtered as much. Some brands contain a little Isolate mixed with the Concentrate. Usually about 75%-80% protein.

Optimium is also a good respectable brand.

[Amazonia]

Any protein supplement that does not list hydrolzed protein is good as far as I am concerned. Hydrolyzed protein is basically gelatin and is primarily used as filler for protein powder or hardener for protein bars. Of course the protein supplement companies won't tell you that because they want to make as much profit for as little cost invested as possible. Whey protein isolate and casein and albumin are all great ingredients and should be the first ingredients listed. Soy protein is all right but it is not the greatest choice for muscle growth. Even vegetarians resort to using a protein powder containing powdered egg whites to get that essential animal protein.
A couple of trusthworthy brands would be Biotest Grow! and Isopure (and Isopro).

[sicily1962]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Amazonia:</font><hr>
A couple of trusthworthy brands would be Biotest Grow! and Isopure (and Isopro). <hr /></blockquote>

Let me add to that list with:
Parrillo (http://www.parrillo.com)
and
Beverly International (http://www.bodybuildingworld.com)

Both of these companies make excellent protein powders!

Supplementation is good when you are short on time or need something at bedtime, but nothing can replace good old food for solid nutrition.

[slimsista]

Isopure premade drinks are great! there is one thats blue, with no carbs and like 40g of protein.