Proteins are macromolecules made up of amino acids. They are of vital importance to the human body as these macromolecules fulfil a wide range of functions. Proteins primarily serve as building blocks for muscles, organs and blood as well as enzymes and hormones, e.g. for the immune response.
As a result, protein is an essential part of a workout regime. While it is recommended that adults consume protein in the amount of approximately 0.8 g/ kg of body weight, the needs of athletes may be significantly greater depending on their weight. When it comes to physical activity, insufficient protein can quickly lead to declines in performance. Without protein, muscle cannot be built. A deficiency may even lead to a loss of muscle mass.
An adequate supply of protein, on the other hand, promotes muscle growth and maintenance, especially after intense physical exertion. The experts from Biohealth International have developed product concepts that cater to the different needs of the body during physical activity.
Whey protein – the protein that’s easy to digest
Whey commonly serves as a raw ingredient for the production of whey protein. Whey protein has a bioavailability of 100. The greater the bioavailability, the more efficiently the body can use the protein to synthesise its own protein and the more essential amino acids (which the body cannot produce itself) it contains.
Furthermore, it contains all important branch-chained amino acids like valine, leucine, isoleucine - also known as BCAAs, which play a decisive role in the regeneration phase in order to continue building muscle protein.
Casein protein – the “good night” protein
Casein is a pure milk protein that occurs in natural milk protein in addition to whey protein. Casein is absorbed significantly slower by the body, which is why the experts from Biohealth International recommend consuming it before going to bed to promote regeneration during sleep. The slower absorption of casein provides a constant supply of amino acids overnight, which slows the breakdown of protein in the body and promotes muscle growth.
Milk protein
Milk protein is an animal protein and, as the name suggests, occurs in all dairy products. It consists of 80 % casein and 20 % whey. It can be found in most protein products that contain a variety of protein types. Multi-protein complexes, which contain both fast and slow digesting proteins, are ideal for endurance athletes as both types of muscle fibres are strained during endurance sports.
Egg protein (albumen)
Egg protein is an outstanding alternative to whey or milk protein, but also plant-based proteins as it excels not only with respect to intolerances, but as a pure animal protein from the chicken’s egg; it also offers numerous other advantages. Protein from eggs is readily absorbed and processed by the body due to its high bioavailability. Though it reaches the bloodstream slower than whey protein isolate, it is absorbed faster than casein. As egg protein supplies the body with all essential amino acids and promotes protein biosynthesis, it provides ideal sports nutrition for strength and endurance training.
Egg protein is popular among body builders preparing for competitions as egg protein only has minimal water retention. It is rarely used as the sole raw ingredient in protein products.
Soy protein
Soy protein is obtained from a plant source and has a lower concentration of BCAAs compared to other types of protein. It contains a high concentration of glutamine and is in many cases affordably priced. Its bioavailability amounts to approximately 80. Some consumers have difficulty digesting soy protein. As a result, soy protein isolate is better suited as it is more tolerable and free of estrogens. In addition to soy protein, there is also pea protein, hemp protein, rice protein and nut protein, though the latter is rarely used due to its elevated cost. These four plant proteins in powder form contain essential amino acids and are gluten and lactose-free.
Summary
The wide range of proteins means that any athlete can find the protein that works best for him or her. The product developers from Biohealth International combine recipes tailored to the intended application in their products like proteinshakes or recovery drinks to ensure optimal muscle maintenance and muscle growth.More informations about private label sports nutrition click here