Whey Protein Guide

Background

Before we go into too much detail it’s a good idea to understand where whey protein comes from and how it’s manufactured.

Using the latest dairy technology, sweet dairy whey, a product from cheese manufacturing, is passed through a complicated series of filters (ultra/cross micro filtration). As the sweet dairy whey passes through the filters fat and lactose are removed to leave a concentrated protein in liquid suspension. The liquid concentrate is then dried and instantised with lecithin for easy mixing. The whole process is carried out without the use of excess heat which helps prevent any damage occurring to the protein. You may have heard of another method of manufacture which is called ion-exchange whey. In this process sweet dairy whey is combined with a chemical resin in large reaction vessels. The vessels are charged with electricity and the resin bonds to selected protein. The resin and protein are then removed from the vessels and the charge is reversed to leave only the protein. The process yields a very high protein percentage but unfortunately the harsh process leaves behind many beneficial protein fractions. The process is therefore inferior and to be avoided when compared to ultra or cross micro filtration as used by Reflex Nutrition.

Finally we have hydrolysed, sometimes spelt hydrolyzed, or pre-digested whey protein that has been treated with enzymes to break the protein down into smaller peptides and amino acids. All hydrolysed protein generally tastes bitter, the bitter taste comes from the high percentage of peptides and amino acids. The degree of hydrolysis varies from about 5%-30%. The higher the percentage the more hydrolysis that has taken place and the bitterer it will taste, it is also the most expensive form of any whey protein. Here at Reflex Nutrition we use a very special 30% DH material in our Instant Whey and Growth Matrix, we use a secret process to all but remove any bitter taste.

In sports nutrition hydrolysed whey protein is used for the sole purpose of flooding the body with peptides and amino acids in a very short time with the aim of stimulating protein synthesis.

So why is whey protein especially good for athletes and bodybuilders?

Whey protein has long been considered the gold standard of protein for serious athletes who work hard to develop and sustain a lean, strong and well-defined physique. Whey protein contains all the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. These amino acids help improve body composition and enhance athletic performance and since it’s easy to digest, it’s quick to provide nourishment to muscles.

You can obviously get protein from other sources such as fish, eggs and meat, but since whey protein is such an excellent, highly convenient, source of amino acids and is easily digestible, it has become massively popular with athletes and body builders.

Here are some frequently asked questions that our technical team answer on a regular basis.

Please can you prove to me that your protein content in products like Instant Whey is correct, it appears higher than other brands?

Yes, Instant Whey is a market leader and as part of our ISO9001 procedures Instant Whey is tested by an independent lab every month .

These results are updated in our news section and here in this article.

Click here to see Instant Whey protein test results.
Whey Protein Test Results April 2009

Why should I choose Reflex Nutrition products over other brands?

We are the only company in the world to offer sports supplements that are categorically guaranteed and manufactured in accordance with IS09001 procedures using 100% renewable electricity. Our emphasis as a company has always been quality first- always, for the last 12 years.

No other company offers such control over the quality of the finished products. In fact in recent independent testing Instant Whey was shown to have the highest protein content for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. It’s a trend that will continue.

When you buy a Reflex product you are buying a superior product that is backed by a 100% money back guarantee, so that if in the very unlikely event you don’t, for example, like the taste you can return it for a full refund or immediate exchange. No other brand offers this. Our firm commitment to the environment is also making us the ultimate choice for anyone who is concerned about the future of our planet. (see our articles on why we use 100% green energy at all of our factories, warehouses and offices).

What is Muscle DriveTM ?

Muscle DriveTM is an exclusive peptide complex found only in Reflex products. First launched in Instant Whey it contains peptide bended glutamine and hyrdolysed whey to provide extra glutamine and highly bio available whey peptides. This exclusive technology comes at no extra cost and is also found in an increasing number of products from Reflex Nutrition.

Is it easy on the stomach?

It is easily absorbed by the body becuase it is highly soluble. Reflex Instant Whey & Micro Whey contain added digestive enzymes and pro-biotics for a superior product.

What is the pH of whey?

It has a pH of approximately 6.5.

Can I take whey if I'm lactose intolerant?

Yes and no. You should avoid products that contain concentrate. These will typically contain anywhere from 5-15% lactose. The good news is that you can benefit from taking products that contain pure isolate, which usually only contain a maximum of 0.5-1% lactose. Reflex Nutrition make a product called Micro Whey which only contains pure isolate.

Can I take it if I'm a vegetarian?

Yes. It is a very good source of essential amino acids and branch chain amino acids - some vegetables lack these vital amino acids; it can help address any shortfall in your diet.

Are supplements made by Reflex Nutrition free from banned EU hormones and pesticides?

Yes. All protein supplied by Reflex Nutrition is made in the EU in accordance with IS09002 procedures.

Is it safe for drug tested athletes?

Protein products made by Reflex Nutrition will not cause a positive test for banned drugs. Reflex Nutrition manufacture Instant Whey, Micro Whey and Natural Whey in a purpose built factory all in accordance with IS09001 procedures. It is unlikely that you find a better made product, this is illustrated by the fact that Reflex Nutrition have supplied products to Olympic athletes competing in Sydney 2000 & Athens 2004 Olympic games. We also randomly drug test batches of Reflex supplements in accordance with ISO17025 procedures.

Does Reflex Nutrition make a "natural" whey product?

Yes. Reflex Nutrition makes a product called Natural Whey which is free from artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners.

What are the protein fractions I see listed in your ingredients?

Fractions are the different types of proteins that make whey as a whole. A typical high quality product will be made up of the following fractions.

Beta-Lactoglobulin – (approximate percentage 43%)
The largest single protein found in whey which is largely responsible for the very high percentage of BCAAs.

Alpha-Lactalbumin – (approximate percentage 15%)
This is actually the most abundant type of protein found in human milk. It plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium via its ability to bind to various forms of calcium; it is also high in BCAAs and essential amino acids.

Glycomacropeptide – (approximate percentage 18%)
Research has shown that Glycomacropeptide stimulates synthesis and release of the hormone cholecystokinin in the duodenum. CCK triggers the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile. These are critical for the complete digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and therefore full nutritional realisation of food.

Immunoglobulin – (approximate percentage 5%)
Bovine Immunoglobulins have been shown to have potential for utilisation in the immunological supplementation of foods including infant formulae. Research has shown that bovine IGG can act against Salmonella and EColi.

Bovine Serum Albumin – (approximate percentage 3%)
Is a very good source of all 9 essential amino acids. Research has shown that BSA helps infection fighting white T cells, it also has fat binding properties.

Lactoferrin – (approximate percentage 1%)
Binds to iron in the small intestine promoting absorption of iron by the human body whilst also inhibiting the growth of bacteria like Ecoli and Salmonella.

Lactoperoxidase – (approximate percentage 0.5%)
Works in similar whey to Lactoferrin.

Lysozyme – (approximate percentage 0.1%)
Linked with immune function.

Are there any side effects from taking whey protein? Or could I expect any allergic reactions when taking whey products?

In 99% of people none at all. The only possible side effects would come if you are allergic to milk sugar or lactose. In which case you'd need to take a pure whey isolate which is virtually free from lactose. In very rare circumstances some people can be allergic to some of the protein fractions found in whey, like Beta-Lactoglobulin, however such cases are very isolated and are usually associated with infants. This is one of the reasons why there are hyrdolysed protein products - the process of hydrolysation breaks the potentially allergic fractions down into hypoallergenic peptides.