protein powder

Not all protein powders are created equal. This popular supplement among sports enthusiasts and strength athletes helps to quickly and easily meet daily protein requirements – and thus prevent muscle loss. Muscle growth can be promoted with the right training and protein powder, so that the effects of strenuous workouts not only last longer but also occur more quickly. However, the quality of the amino acids and their composition are crucial! BPS-Pharma products set new standards in quality and are extremely versatile. From taste to ingredients, BPS-Pharma protein powders are perfectly tailored to the needs of athletes.

What is protein powder?

Protein powder is a supplement made from animal protein sources – plant-based protein powders are also now available as an alternative. The pure protein is extracted from the raw materials using a particularly complex process and processed into a dry powder with a relatively long shelf life. Combined with emulsifiers, various flavorings, and sweeteners, protein powders can be used to make shakes or soft drinks, as well as in baking or cooking. This ensures that daily use remains varied and interesting. Currently, the market offers powders made from the following protein sources:

• Milk and whey
• soy
• hemp
• Peas
• rice
• egg
• Collagen (for example, from cattle)

The proteins contained in this product, being macromolecules, are composed of amino acids. The body cannot produce all of these amino acids itself, so they must be obtained through food. Nine of these amino acids are known as essential amino acids because they can only be adequately supplied through the right foods. The problem is that in our hectic daily lives, many of us struggle to invest the time and money in a varied diet that adequately meets our daily protein requirements. A protein powder with a high-quality amino acid profile can therefore provide a solution – and support athletes with increased protein needs.

Protein powder production and quality

The various raw materials differ not only in their protein, fat, and carbohydrate content, but also in their amino acid profile. Furthermore, they vary in their absorption and utilization. When it comes to the quality of protein powder, the amino acid composition is paramount. This also defines its biological value.

What is biological value?

For biological value, a whole egg serves as the reference value. Its amino acid profile is assigned a value of 100. A value above 100 therefore indicates that the protein in a protein source is more readily available than that of a whole egg. Conversely, a lower value indicates that the protein is less readily absorbed – this value was determined by the nutritionist Karl Thomas.

A more modern method for measuring the quality of protein powder is the PDCAAS – more precisely, the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score. As the name suggests, the assessment of protein quality also takes into account how well the protein can be digested. This method has been recognized by the World Health Organization and also uses whole egg as a reference value.

What else is important here? The more closely the amino acid profile of a protein resembles that of human tissue, the better the protein source can be absorbed and utilized. For this reason, plant-based protein sources usually have a slightly lower biological value. However, different protein sources can be combined to create a better amino acid profile in the final product. Manufacturers typically use this method for protein powders made from vegan ingredients.

What types of protein powder are available?

As mentioned earlier, protein powders are derived from various raw materials. Their composition and nutritional content each have their own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before purchasing.

Casein: The milk protein

Milk protein is primarily derived from casein, with only 20 percent coming from whey protein. Because casein is a relatively slow-digesting protein, it provides the necessary amino acids over a longer period. With a PDCAAS of 1.0 and a biological value of 70-80, it is a high-quality protein source. However, its effects are somewhat delayed for acute needs, such as immediately after a workout. Therefore, casein is also used as a nighttime protein.

The production process can be described as uncomplicated: The protein is extracted from the milk through ultrafiltration and then dried.

Whey protein: Derived from whey protein

Whey protein is quickly available to the body because it is easily and rapidly digested. For precisely this reason, it can also be used to meet acute needs – for example, immediately before or after training. It is therefore assumed that muscle protein synthesis around the time of training is stimulated more strongly with whey protein than with casein.

Whey protein is characterized by a PDCAA value of 1.0 and a biological value between 101 and 104. This makes whey protein one of the best dietary proteins in terms of bioavailability. Whey protein is produced from whey, a byproduct of cheese production. An isolate is filtered repeatedly until a protein content of 97 percent or more is achieved. Hydrolysate, on the other hand, is broken down enzymatically and thus practically pre-digested. As a result, this type of whey protein is available to the body even more quickly.

Plant-based protein powders: soy, peas, and more.

Plant-based protein powders can be based on soy, peas, or rice, among other sources, and their absorption rates fall between those of casein and whey protein. The higher the fiber content, the better it can serve as a meal replacement—and the slower it is digested, releasing amino acids over a longer period. Plant-based proteins cannot offer the same advantages as whey protein, making them less suitable for immediate protein needs. Their amino acid profile is also not as favorable as that of whey protein.

Soy protein is particularly widespread among plant-based protein sources because it is a rapidly renewable resource. Its PDCAAS (Percentage of Proteins, Acids, and Sodium Amino Acid Profile) is 1.0, and its biological value is between 84 and 86. Soy protein isolate can contain over 90 percent protein and usually less than one percent fat. Pea protein, on the other hand, is often found in combination with other plant-based protein sources. This is because pea protein lacks important amino acids such as methionine, and it contains only small amounts of tryptophan. Consequently, its PDCAAS is only 0.73, and its biological value is 55. Rice protein is also a relatively new protein and does not have a complete amino acid profile. For example, it lacks leucine, an amino acid that is very important for muscle growth. In most cases, rice and pea protein complement each other very well, but they should generally not be taken in isolation. Incidentally, both types of protein have a very low allergy potential.

Beef protein powder, or collagen protein

Don't assume that "beef protein" is actually made from real beef: it's a gelatin-based protein that offers virtually no benefits for muscle building. This is because it lacks essential amino acids that are crucial for muscle growth. However, those looking to build or protect their cartilage tissue can opt for collagen protein.

Protein powder use and preparation

The good news is that protein powders are now incredibly versatile. According to expert recommendations, an adult should consume 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily – however, this is only intended as a basic requirement. Athletes, therefore, have a significantly higher need, which should be taken into account when using protein powder. Athletes can certainly aim for 1.2 to 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight. So far, so good – but how are the powders used?

The amount of protein powder specified by the manufacturer (usually 30 to 50g) is dissolved in water or milk. Generally, the mixture is poured into a shaker and shaken to quickly achieve the desired consistency. Protein powders that can be mixed into fruit-flavored drinks are also now widely available.

Flavorless protein powder can also be added to batter for baked goods like pancakes, cakes, or pizza. This makes it particularly easy to increase the protein content of various foods and better meet your needs without having to drink lots of shakes. Of course, a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake should still be maintained even when taking protein powder.

Buy protein powder cheaply

At BPS-Pharma, we offer whey protein powder and vegan protein powder. The quality of our raw materials is our top priority – all at a great price. If you're looking for affordable protein powder without compromising on quality, our selection is perfect for you. We also offer supplemental products to support your overall health and enhance your workout focus.

WH3Y 4U - Whey Protein with Isolate

Our “WH3Y 4U - Whey Protein with Isolate” is a protein blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate and has an average protein content of around 75%! We offer the “WH3Y 4U - Whey Protein with Isolate” in five different flavors, namely:

• Vanilla butter donut with streusel topping
• Blueberry Muffin
• Strawberry Cheesecake NYC
• Dark Brownie Salted Caramel
• Espresso Macchiato with Caramel

At a price of 31.90 euros, it is one of the cheapest protein powders on the market - especially considering that some other brands charge up to 40 euros for 1kg of protein powder.

"According to most consumers, BPS Pharma's Whey4U is one of the tastiest protein powders on the market! Not least because of the unusual flavors."

 

VGainz 4U - vegan protein powder with 3 components

This is a vegan protein powder that uses both pea and rice protein to offer a good amino acid profile. With a protein content of 73g, it's quite impressive, and soy protein is also included to complete the complex. This product is available in four different flavors, offering something to suit almost every taste.

• Salted Caramel
• Barista Coffee
• Red Super Fruits
• Urban Cookie Style

This protein powder also boasts excellent value for money and, like the best protein powders, comes in a practical 750g tub that keeps it fresher during storage. What makes it special is that the raw materials have been processed so meticulously that you don't have to worry about isoflavones or phytoestrogens when consuming it. Furthermore, only non-GMO soy has been used.

Protein powder side effects

Are there any side effects to expect when using protein powder? Generally, taking it is rarely associated with side effects or unpleasant symptoms. If you take too much, especially at the beginning, you might experience digestive problems. Those with lactose intolerance should opt for lactose-free protein powders: egg or soy proteins are perfectly safe choices. It is recommended that people with gout avoid protein powder altogether. The increased protein intake can exacerbate symptoms – therefore, consulting your doctor is essential! Whether you're looking for protein powder for weight loss or the best protein powder for muscle building – otherwise, negative experiences with these supplements are very rare.

FAQs

When should you take protein powder?

Protein powder is best taken before or after a workout to maximize its effectiveness and stimulate muscle growth during and after training. However, protein powder can also be consumed throughout the day to meet your needs or even replace meals, for example, if you're using it for weight loss.

What is the best protein powder?

This question cannot be answered generally. Ultimately, choosing the right product depends on very different needs and preferences. We at BPS-Pharma have developed two protein powders: one made from plant-based protein for vegans and another from whey protein for non-vegans. Anyone wanting more information or suggestions can also check out the protein test winner at Supplement-Bewertung.de.

How many grams of protein powder per shake?

Typically, 30g of protein powder is used per shake. Some manufacturers even recommend 50g – however, we recommend mixing 30g of our products with 250ml to 300ml of water or 1.5% fat milk in a shaker.

Why has protein powder become so expensive?

In 2021 and 2022, there was a severe shortage of raw materials, which led to a dramatic increase in their prices. Unfortunately, this also resulted in higher costs for protein powder. We at BPS-Pharma worked to prevent excessive price increases – and we succeeded. In 2023, raw material costs gradually decreased again, allowing us to continue offering our usual value for money. Our protein powder still costs €31.90 per kilogram – making it more budget-friendly.

How many calories are in protein powder?

It all depends on the ingredients used by the respective manufacturer. Generally, however, 100g of powder contains 370kcal – which would correspond to just over 100kcal per serving. A serving of protein powder provides approximately 22g of protein, although slight variations are possible. Whey isolate, by the way, is characterized by its low calorie content, so you can choose one that suits your personal preferences.