Looking for information on specific protein supplements? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

MiladyB · 08-02-2008, 07:18 PM

The Celebrate Vitamin site has a link for professionals that I registered for. One of the perks is that I can ask questions of Jeanne Blackenship, MS, RD She is considered one of the top bariatric nutritionists in the country.

I asked her about the modular protein supplements out there. Specifically the protein bullets so many seem to be using. This was her response.

Beth asks: I am an RN and Bariatric support group leader and a bariatric patient. I've had many discussions lately with members of the bariatric community in regards to the use of modular protein supplements. Specifically the discussion was the use of the protein "bullets" available for use.

Many people seem to be using these post wls in order to get in their protein requirements. I am aware of the fact that these types of supplements may not contain the correct amounts of the essential amino acids. Personally I am quite concerned about the use of these types of products early postop, as almost the sole source of protein and caloric intake. I've tried to explain the concern to people but there seems to be a fair amount of RD's out there that still recommend the use of these types of supplements to their patients. Also many of the major on-line bariatric sites out there are selling the protein bullets. So the comment I often get from people is "ask 25 different people and you will get 20 different answers." They are looking for "facts" to back up my concerns.

I have come up with a few resources out there but I was wondering, are my concerns unwarranted?

Jeanne: I share your concern about these products which absolutely do not always contain all of the essential amino acids. Even if they do, the ratios are not always correct -- the RDA for essential amino acids is different for each. There are so many products out there that it can be confusing to RDs and to patients (and other healthcare providers). The best way to win on this would be to look at the information from the manufacturer regarding the amount of amino acids and compare it to the RDA. I have done this for a few products (some very reputible) and found them to be low on one or more. If it is a powder and mixed with milk, the protein is complete, however. This process is a bit time consuming, but worth the effort.

Back to the bullets. I believe that most don't contain tryptophan or the appropriate amount. The main ingredient is listed as a collagenic protein which is not desirable. I am not sure if you read the recent ASMBS white paper (Scientific Calculator click on the yellow star that says nutrition paper), but in the protein section we talk about this.

If you have a specific product, you could send me the info and I could do a step-by-step analysis and then you could use that to educate RDs and patients...happy to reference it too for your nay-sayers!

So, I want to put this offer out to the forum. If any of you want to know about a specific protein supplement that you are wondering about, let me know. I would be happy to send it on to Jeanne Blakenship to get her opinion.

sherry7 · 08-03-2008, 03:01 PM

Beth, you are the bomb!

I recently started using Spiru-tein protein powders. After 2 months of trying different things, it's about the only thing I can tolerate. There are lots of different flavors, but I like the Simply Natural Vanilla and the Nutty Berry Burst in particular. I mix them with unsweetened soy milk.

Spiru-tein only has 14 grams of protein, but I'm less worried about that than I am the quality of the protein itself. I'd love to have an opinion on it.

Skinny Boy · 08-03-2008, 03:14 PM

I would be interested in her opinion of Unjury, UNJURY Medical Quality Protein Supplement: High Protein Supplement Uses Whey Protein Isolate. Great tasting whey protein supplements!, I like all of the flavors, not too many calories, low in carbs and they mix up easy without having to have a blender.

MiladyB · 08-03-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skinny Boy

I would be interested in her opinion of Unjury, UNJURY Medical Quality Protein Supplement: High Protein Supplement Uses Whey Protein Isolate. Great tasting whey protein supplements!, I like all of the flavors, not too many calories, low in carbs and they mix up easy without having to have a blender.

Randy, I actually already know that UNJURY is one of the protein supplements that is highly recommended. It is 100% Whey Protein Isolate. It includes all of the essential amino acids in the correct proportions. A PDCAAS Score of 100 is the highest score you can get. So it is a great choice for yourself after surgery.

timidcharm · 08-03-2008, 06:18 PM

Hi Beth , how about ON Gold standard Hydrolyzed whey? A bodybuilder friend gave me 5 lbs of it ...

MiladyB · 08-03-2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherry7

Beth, you are the bomb!

I recently started using Spiru-tein protein powders. After 2 months of trying different things, it's about the only thing I can tolerate. There are lots of different flavors, but I like the Simply Natural Vanilla and the Nutty Berry Burst in particular. I mix them with unsweetened soy milk.

Spiru-tein only has 14 grams of protein, but I'm less worried about that than I am the quality of the protein itself. I'd love to have an opinion on it.

Sherry, any possibility the amino acid profile is listed in the information you have for the Spiru-tein? I think she needs the amino acid profile in order to really get a good look at the quality. I do know from my own research that soy isolate is considered a good protein. It is a complete protein, which means it has all of the essential amino acids present. The fact that it is ISOLATE is good. That means it has a greater percentage of protein and is easier to absorb.

If you would like more information than that I'll direct it to the nutritionist. Just let me know.

fisher1000 · 08-03-2008, 06:34 PM

Beth,

I found this for the Spirutein...

Package Details

The Energy Supplements®
Soy Protein Powder with Spirulina ~ Vanilla
Great Taste - Mixes Instantly, No Blender Required.

Spiru-Tein is scientifically formulated with isolated soy protein from only non-genetically modified (non-GMO) soybeans -- As Nature Intended.

Healthy Heart Food
25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of Spiru-Tein supplies 14 grams of soy protein.

Nature's Plus Vanilla Spiru-Tein Powder features a unique blend of ingredients, including...

* 100% Daily Value of all Vitamins
* Energy Nutrients: High Quality Soy Protein and Bee Pollen
* Superior Patented*
* Tri-Part Protein Blend: Rice, Pea, Soy
* Diet-Aids: Lecithin, Spirulina, Choline and Inositol
* Enzymes: Bromelain and Papaya
* Cleansing: Chlorophyll
* Fiber: Bran, Cellulose and Apple Pectin
* Vegetarian, Yeast-Free Product

Typical Amino Acid Profile Per Serving

Amino Acid % Total Protein mg
Isoleucine 4.3 602
Histdine 2.6 364
Leucine 8.2 1148
Arginine 7.5 1050
Lysine 6.3 882
Aspartic Acid 11.6 1624
Methionine 1.3 182
Serine 5.2 728
Cysteine 1.3 182
Glutamic Acid 19.1 2674
Threonine 3.8 532
Proline 5.1 714
Phenylalanine 5.1 714
Glycine 4.2 588
Tryptophan 1.3 182
Alanine 4.3 602
Valine 5.0 700
Tyrosine 3.8 532

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 Scoop (34g)
Servings Per Container 32

Amount Per Serving Spiru-Tein w/ 1Cup Skim Milk
Calories 99 179
Calories from Fat 0 0
% Daily Value **
Total Fat 0g* 0% 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0% 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0% 2%
Sodium 140mg 6% 11%
Potassium 110mg 3% 15%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4% 15%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4% 4%
Sugars 8g
Other Carbohydrate 2g
Protein 14g 28% 44%
Vitamin A 5000 IU 100% 110%
Vitamin C 60 mg 100% 110%
Calcium 300 mg 30% 60%
Iron 4.5 mg 25% 25%
Vitamin D 400 IU 100% 120%
Vitamin E 30 IU 100% 100%
Thiamine 1.5 mg 100% 110%
Riboflavin 1.7 mg 100% 120%
Niacin 20 mg 100% 100%
Vitamin B6 2 mg 100% 100%
Folic Acid 400 mcg 100% 100%
Vitamin B12 6 mg 100% 120%
Biotin 300 mcg 100% 100%
Pantothenic Acid 10 mg 100% 110%
Phosphorus 200 mg 20% 45%
Iodine 150 mcg 100% 100%
Magnesium 80 mg 20% 25%
Zinc 15mg 100% 110%
Selenium 21 mcg 30% 30%
Manganese 5mg 250% 250%
Chromium 18 mcg 15% 15%
Molybdenum 20 mcg 25% 25%

*Amount in Spiru-Tein. A serving of Spiru-Tein plus skim milk provides 0g fat, 5mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 516mg potassium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugar) and 22g protein.
**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Each Serving of Spiru-Tein also contains:

* Inositol -- 50mg
* Choline (bitartrate) -- 21mg

Product No. 4581

Manufactured with Love by
Natural Organics Laboratories, Inc.
makers of Nature's Plus

MiladyB · 08-03-2008, 07:22 PM

Thanks Mike. I actually found this amino acid calculator. It will tell you what the RDA is for yourself. The RDA is based on age, size and weight. If you know the amounts of the amino acids in your protein supplement you can see how many servings you need in order to obtain your RDA. That is the best way to decide if the protein you are using is giving you what you need.

Amino Acid RDA Calculator

MiladyB · 08-03-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timidcharm

Hi Beth , how about ON Gold standard Hydrolyzed whey? A bodybuilder friend gave me 5 lbs of it ...

From what I can tell this is a combination of whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrates. The problem is you have no idea the percentage of isolates vs the concentrates. The whey concentrate isn't the best choice for us, though from what I can tell it is a complete protein. That means it contains all of the essential amino acids we need though it may not be in the right amounts. If you are supplementing this with food you are probably fine. But if the majority of your calories and nutrition is coming from this product? Well, there may be better choices out there.

What you want to be looking for in a protein supplement is one that appears to be 100% ISOLATE. That is the most absorbable protein for us.

Once I hear back from the RD from the Celebrate Vitamins in regards to how she analyzes protein supplements, I can probably get more of an idea what we should be looking for in our protein supplements.

izanmanyzanz · 08-03-2008, 08:47 PM

RDA of Essential Amino Acid:
Estimated RDA for a 40 year old Female at 259 lbs. of body weight:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Histidine: 1412.73mg.

Isoleucine: 1177.27mg.

Leucine: 4709.09mg.

Lysine: 4120.45mg.

Methionine: 1530.45mg.

Phenylalanine: 1648.18mg.

Threonine: 1765.91mg.

Tryptophan: 412.05mg.

Valine: 1883.64mg.

Beth, If I Am Doing This Right I Need About 4 Servings A Day Of Spiru-tein To Make Those Levels. But Of Course This Doesnt Count Food Intake!! But The Spirutein Is Worth It Just For The Taste And Not Throwing Up With The Others, Because Then I Just Lose Everything Back To Zero Anyways.