We Go Both Wheys…
October 12th, 2011
Recently, we’ve received some questions about what constitutes a good source of protein and what is suspect.
In fact we’ve seen some leading opinion makers start to criticize whey protein isolate - apparently to justify their own line of protein products. The arguments regarding whey protein isolate vs. whey protein concentrate which I have read are usually one-dimensional and fail to paint a complete picture of the benefits found in both types of whey protein.
On behalf of Beachbody’s formulation and scientific experts, I’ve asked our team to dispel the myths about whey and clear up some of the confusion. Below, we describe why we feel whey protein isolate is appropriate if not more favorable than other dairy-sources of protein, and by far more desirable than soy – even for my vegan wife and Shakeology co-formulator, Isabelle.
Myth #1: Protein isolates are proteins stripped away from their nutritional co-factors.
Whey protein isolate is the most pure and concentrated form of whey protein available. It contains 90% or more protein and very little (if any) fat and lactose. While it is possible that some nutritional co-factors found in whey protein concentrate are not found in isolates, consider that the synthesis of whey protein isolate with the over 70 organic compounds and super foods in our Shakeology product provide a comprehensive and bio-available spectrum of nutrients for the human body. Whey protein isolate is also an exceptional choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or who experience bloating and other problems associated with whey protein concentrate. Whey concentrate is the better choice for supplements which have a more targeted focus (such as muscle recovery) versus total nutrition. A high quality whey protein concentrate is used in Beachbody’s P90X Results and Recovery and Whey Protein Powder products.
Myth #2- Whey protein isolates are exposed to acid processing.
Isolates can be processed a number of ways. Processing whey protein to remove the lactose, fats, and cholesterol while not losing its biological activity takes special care by the manufacturer. We have gone to great lengths to make sure that the whey protein isolate in Shakeology is purified using a technique called ion-exchange where protein is separated through its specific electrical charge. No acid is used in this process. The Shakeology whey isolate is extracted using a cold-processing method, avoiding high heat, leaving it 90% protein and virtually fat and lactose-free. Great care is taken not to ‘denature’ the protein in Shakeology. That’s why we call it “nature in a bag.” We mean it.
Myth #3: Your body cannot assimilate proteins in isolated form.
There is no credible science to support this assertion. Whey protein is a very high quality complete protein with rich amounts of all the essential amino acids. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, which is why it is absorbed efficiently into the body.
Isabelle is a great example of someone who cannot ingest Whey Concentrate on a regular basis because she is allergic to dairy (protein & all). She suffered from intense bloating, gas and nausea.
The enzymes and vitamins present in the fat and environment of whey concentrate do not seem to enhance her ability to process it, and that’s even with extra enzymes taken with the meal for good measure. Still no luck.
She has used whey protein isolate in her diet on a regular basis, through Shakeology for years now, and she has not only had no adverse reaction, but the whey isolate has satisfied her protein requirements in an otherwise complete vegan lifestyle.
Myth #4: Due to over-processing, isolates are deficient in key amino acids.
Not true. Protein is made up of essential and non-essential amino acids, which are the “building blocks” for healthy bodies. The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. However, the body is not able to make essential amino acids and the only way to get them is by eating high quality protein foods. Protein sources that contain all of the essential amino acids are called “complete proteins”.
Good news: The whey used in Shakeology is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids exclusively in the more natural L-form (not D-form). Additionally, all of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) including Leucine are present in Shakeology at high levels.
Finally, we all need to understand that the human body is exceptionally complex and always changing. What your body needed today it may not need in ten years. What it reacted to ten years ago it may crave today. And every one is different.
We don’t expect Shakeology to be the answer for everyone, and we are always working on ways we can complement the line of healthy options (and flavors, yes… it’s true.)
Every ingredient in Shakeology has been selected carefully to create a nutritional “symphony” of ingredients working together for maximum biological value. We would never include “putrid proteins” or chemical additives in a product we stand behind as “the healthiest meal of the day.”
All Beachbody nutrition products are 3rd party tested to ensure they are free of rancidity, toxins, hormones and all of the other things most people fear from dairy products. When sorting through the endless amounts of nutritional advice found in the Internet, consider the source, and above all else, look to your own body’s response for a clue to the truth. Be wary of individuals or companies offering alarmist nutritional advice while at the same time hocking their own products. (And when someone says their shake is as good as Shakeology, ask them to prove it with an unconditional money back guarantee.)
Oh snap! No he didn’t! (Yes, we did.)
Great source of information. Thank you for writing and sharing this.
Carl, Dude, I love you Man! Thanks! That’s a piece of info that is hard to keep straight and I love your ability to address food issues and concerns responsibly with our products. Would you please consider in the future becoming a certified member of the Global Reporting Initiative? There are three levels of certification, and I’d wager that Beachbody is eligible for the first tier of rating. If Beachbody can become GRI certified, it would be a flag in the face of the mainly irresponsible and uncaring food industry.
Carl,
Great post. I’ve had a lot of people ask me about whether or not there are 3rd party or independent studies done to ensure the quality of the ingredients in Shakeology. This helps a lot. Do you have any more info on the people who test the nutrition products, so I could pass it along to someone who asks next time they do? I look forward to being on stage with you at the 2012 Summit!
Not sure what independent means in this case, but we do have services who test for many many things to ensure the quality and source of ingredients, the validity of formulations, purity of ingredients etc. but I don’t think it’s a list we publish per se. you could email that question to concierge@beachbody.com and he might be able to ask Scientific Affairs Dept.
Mr Daikeler,
As a Team Beachbody coach, I really appreciate your article and the straight forward information. My I use your post on my website as well?
Kirk Pickering
Indep Team Beachbody Coach
I don’t see why not
This was very informative and much needed info. Thanks CARL! :)
When Carl speaks, it’s because he has something of importance to share. Thanks, Carl.
Seriously, what is the logic in selling exercise programs globally, yet not giving customers the access to products like shakeology unless you live in Canada or the USA.
I find this totally bewildering from a customer satisfaction point of view.
Surely the DVD’s should have a note at the end giving reasons as to why it’s not possible to purchase from overseas.
No logic at all, except it is a very complex formula which needs to be approved for import by non-US territories, and that is not an easy task. We are working on it, but when dealing with the government, and educating them on the value of things like systemic enzymes and phytonutrients, it takes time and patience. Remember, the world has a “drug” mentality about anything that can be good for you, so the defenses are up. Ultimately, this is food, a super food at that, but still foreign to those from whom we need approval.
I love these posts, great to know the details about Shakeology and why it’s the healthiest meal on the planet!
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
Carl,
FANTASTIC information! Thank you for sharing! I know you have already given permission for someone to re-post on their website, is it okay for me to do the same? I am a Team Beachbody coach as well… I promise to give you 100% credit for it!! ;)
Thanks Carl, you are awesome!
So glad this info was posted – THANK YOU, CARL! Just to add to how incredible and how passionate this company is about its products……..
I actually had a customer who shares the same passion about food/nutrients, processing of, etc. She was so infatuated w/ Shakeology, but sadly dropped it because she learned that protein concentrate was “better” (she has been taking intensive courses that follow Mercola and another dr). Concerned and wanting to give her answers, I went straight to Darin Olien (seriously, what were the chances of him replying?). Guess what……..it was 8am on July 4th and he replied back within MINUTES! What other company can you go straight to the very source of creation and get a one-on-one explanation? I passed the info on to my customer, she was extremely impressed, but due to her commitment, she opted to stick with the pure concentrate protein. (but she still wants to be in “the loop”…….she KNOWS that she has not totally ruled out Shakeology for good!). Will print this info for future reference! Thanks again,Carl!
(btw – nice pic of you and Julie in Cali……….GO DAWGS!!)
I noticed the P90X bars are made of soy protein. I was informed that I should stay away from protein bars that are made up of soy protein. I have also noticed its hard to find bars made with whey protein. Although they do exist they can be pricy. If thats what it takes to get a good source of protein in a bar Im all for it. Is there any chance these bar will be made up of whey in the future or will they stay with soy?
Carl, Thank you so much, keep the information coming. “Knowledge is power, and power is change.”
so awesome… as a dietitian, i am always asked questions regarding the ingredients and bioavailabilty of the nutrients. One of my clients has severe Crohns disease and wont even consider the thought of ingesting whey protein… how do you think she may do with the isolat
So many variables with so many people it’s not possible to advise on every situation. She really needs to run it by her doctor, and maybe try a spoonful in water. The LAST thing we’d want is for someone to have an adverse reaction. So she is smart to be cautious.
I am learning that I may be VERY sensitive to MSG and similar products such as yeast extract, hydrolized protein etc. The concern with these additives is the free glutamate that is present. In MANY health foods you can find these additives that I think are making me really sick. Whey protein isolate is an ingredient that also often contains free glutamate…
Can you educate me on the whey protein isolate in Shakeology. Is there a signifcant amount of free glutamate? Are you familar with this issue?
Here’s what i was told by the formulators, who are much smarter than I am: Because our Whey Protein Isolate is Ion exchanged we do NOT have Free Glutamate. It is bound with many of the other Amino Acids. Glutamic Acid is converted to Glutamate by it’s broken Ions and since it is bound by these Amino Acids bonds it is stable and not Free forming.
Crude protein very high heat and quick drying has a tendency to break these bonds and can cause Free Glutamate…this is not ours. Glutamic acid found in unadulterated protein does not cause adverse reactions. To cause adverse reactions, the glutamic acid must have been processed/manufactured or come from protein that has been fermented.
Carl, I appreciate the information on the type of Whey in Shakeology, but can you give me as much information as possible about the Whey used in the Beachbody Whey protein Powder. I have a customer who is interested in using it, but wants to know about the specific Whey before switching.
Thank You,
Jay
I’m not sure what you are asking actually. You might want to send that question to Trevor to find out at concierge@beachbody.com