Latest news with #wheyprotein
CNET
a day ago
- Health
- CNET
Shake Up Your Diet With Clear Whey Protein to Get Closer to Your Fitness Goals
Between all the high-protein snacks, shakes and protein powders, it's no surprise that protein is still a hot topic. If you like using supplements to help achieve your protein quota, then you know how heavy traditional protein shakes can sometimes be, even when mixed with a high-speed blender. Enter, clear whey protein. Clear whey protein is a version of whey protein isolate (a popular protein powder) that undergoes an ultrafiltration process to remove fat, lactose and other components to make it easily digestible. So instead of a thick protein shake, you end up with a nearly transparent beverage with a fruity profile that resembles a sports drink. But is it the right supplement for you and is there a right way to take it? We spoke to a pharmaceutical scientist to learn more about why this supplement is becoming popular and how it compares to its counterpart. Is clear whey protein isolate better than whey protein isolate? Although clear whey protein isn't new on the scene, TikTok has contributed to its recent popularity and sudden interest among active individuals. Seeing all the hype surrounding clear whey protein makes you wonder if it's better than whey protein isolate. Both come from whey protein, the proteins derived from the liquid released from milk. So it comes down to your preferences. 'Both are high-quality, complete proteins rich in leucine and other BCAAs,' explains John-Paul Andersen, a pharmaceutical scientist with a PhD in physiology and pharmacology, and chief science officer at Phi Health. Leucine is one of the three essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with isoleucine and valine, that are vital to muscle growth and repair. He recommends clear whey for post-cardio or hot-weather training, while regular isolate is ideal when you want satiety or are blending it into a smoothie. 'You can rotate or combine them based on your routine and dietary goals," he says. Clear whey protein tends to be a bit more expensive than whey protein isolate because the extra filtration system is a more involved process. How should you take clear whey protein? Clear whey protein comes in powder form, similar to whey protein isolate. Some brands known to make it include GHOST, Myprotein, Isopure and Ascent. It should be mixed with water and ideally taken after a workout. Andersen points out that clear whey protein isolate is best post-workout because that's when amino acid uptake is highest and the body is primed to absorb them quickly to help with muscle repair and recovery. It's also hydrating, which makes it the perfect post-workout drink or a great choice on a hot summer day. Whatever you do, though, even if social media recommends it, don't dry scoop it. Dry scooping is when you down a mouthful of a powdered supplement like pre-workout without mixing it with water first. 'Dry scooping defeats the purpose of its refreshing formulation and can irritate the throat and cause GI discomfort,' warns Andersen. Additionally, if you're planning on taking it before or during your workout, Andersen advises pairing it with carbs for endurance. Otherwise, save it for after your sweat sesh. How to safely take clear whey protein It's safe to take one to two servings of clear whey protein daily for healthy individuals. Keep in mind, excessive intake of any protein source can strain the kidneys, particularly if you have underlying health conditions. Andersen also warns, 'Overconsumption can also cause GI issues like bloating, cramping or loose stools, depending on how the whey was filtered and what flavoring agents are included.' Who is clear whey protein best for? Clear whey protein is perfect for people who don't like protein shakes or their milky disposition when best if you're looking for a refreshing and light hydrating drink that won't leave you stuffed after a workout. Another scenario is if you know you usually don't have an appetite after exercising but want to replenish those nutrients anyway. As long as you don't have dairy allergies or sensitivities, a clear whey protein could be an option to have on hand on those hot summer days. However, sometimes a protein shake made up of whey protein isolate is what you're looking for after a lifting session because you know your next meal won't be for a while, so you need something to hold you over. If you aren't sure if clear whey protein is going to give you issues, some signs to look out for include bloating, gas, nausea or diarrhea. Sometimes the residual lactose, artificial sweeteners or flavor additives can also trigger your stomach. 'If symptoms occur, switching brands, reducing the serving size or using a plant-based alternative may help," recommends Andersen. Takeaway Clear whey protein is a refreshing alternative to regular whey protein, particularly if you want something easily digestible after your workout or if you're a heavy sweater. You can switch up the type of whey protein you take after your workouts, but like most supplements, clear whey protein should be taken alongside a well-balanced diet that works for your lifestyle and needs. Remember, supplements are there to support your diet and won't work properly if your nutrition is lacking in any way.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
THG says high whey protein prices will a chunk out of profits
The health and beauty firm behind the Myprotein brand has said its profits will fall by £13m because of the high price of key ingredient regarded as a by-product in cheese-making, whey protein has become increasingly popular for use in smoothies, food and for people using injectable weight loss medications to prevent muscle Hut Group (THG), which also owns online cosmetics and skincare retailer Cult Beauty, blamed "substantially higher" prices for whey which reached a record over the past year and have stayed company said that instead of passing on higher prices to customers, it would absorb the cost itself to grow market share. With consumers becoming more health conscious in recent years, demand for protein in food and drinks has risen."You walk into a supermarket and everything is protein enhanced," said John Stevenson, retail analyst at Peel Hunt. "You can buy protein-enhanced puddings and yogurts and drinks."Weight-loss or GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, have also played a part in the rise, added Meredith Smith, consumer futures lead at market research firm Kantar"The collective consumer consciousness is 'relearning' how to fuel their bodies and minds, and high protein has been a major priority reinforced with GLP-1 users," she which sells a branded range of ready meals in Iceland and protein shakes with Muller, makes up a third of THG's profit for the first six months of its financial year will fall to £24m from £37.1m in same period last year, the company from its nutrition business, however, are expected to grow by between 10% and 12% in the second half of the financial said Myprotein would "limit price its increases" over that period to increase its share of the market.
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Think you are getting a good deal with cheap whey proteins sold online? Instead of muscles, all you'll be gaining is... weight!
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Recently there has been a flood of cheap whey protein supplements being sold online which should immediately ring alarm bells. With some products priced as low as RM60 for a one-kilogramme tub — a fraction of the RM240 to RM300 typically charged by more reputable brands — many Malaysians have been drawn in by flashy deals and aggressive online marketing. Whey protein, a by-product of cheese production, is valued for its high nutritional content and is widely used to support muscle growth and repair. But producing it requires specialised machinery, skilled labour and strict quality control — making it an expensive process. To reduce production costs, some manufacturers allegedly substitute much of the whey content with cheaper alternatives such as soy or pea protein — or even sugar and other fillers — while still labelling the product as premium whey protein supplements. Nutritionist Nurul Farhana Syazreen from Aspen Nutrition told Malay Mail that prolonged consumption of such mislabelled products may lead to health issues. 'You must be careful because if there's a lot of sugar in it, you may develop diabetes,' she said. Her comments follow a series of TikTok videos posted by the account @musclemaniaclub — operated by fitness brand Muscle Mania Club — which claimed the company had sent several low-priced whey protein products sold in Malaysia for laboratory testing. According to the videos, which have since been widely circulated online, some of the tested products — including locally manufactured ones — were found to contain little to no actual protein, despite labels claiming 20 to 30 grams per scoop. Retired national bodybuilder and six-time Mr World and Mr Asia champion Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, better known as Mike Mahen, said dodgy supplements have long existed, but the rise of online brands has made the situation worse. He said consumers should question bold marketing claims, especially when it comes to price, ingredients and 'zero sugar' claims. 'Best to do a ton of research first before purchasing anything, and if it's online be more vigilant,' he said. 'Think first, can the product be so cheap and deliver? Check labels and everything else, and if it says zero sugar, ask: is it glucose, artificial sugar, less sugar maybe two to three grams instead of zero?' he added. Nurul explained that all locally produced supplements and food products are required to undergo labelling verification by the Ministry of Health — either through the Food Safety and Quality Division for food items or the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency for supplements. 'If a product is made in Malaysia, it must follow local labelling guidelines but imported products sometimes bypass this, which is a loophole,' she warned. Retired national bodybuilder and six-time Mr World and Mr Asia champion Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, better known as Mike Mahen. — Picture via Instagram/mikesyarul 'Just eat some chicken' Mike said most gym-goers are better off sticking to proper meals, rather than relying on supplements, adding that regular servings of meat already contain what their bodies need. 'Have a good 150-200 grams of chicken and 150 grams of carbs and fibre as you're working out just for fitness,' he said. He also cautioned parents against giving protein supplements to teenagers or children in hopes of speeding up weight gain. '[For people aged] below 17, I won't recommend taking creatine or protein or anything else because your natural hormones and testosterone is there and you're growing naturally. 'So just add good food, good solid beef, mutton, red meat, you know, and everything is good enough already,' he said. Associate Professor Mahenderan Appukutty from Universiti Teknologi Mara's Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation supported the view that concentrated protein is usually only helpful for those involved in high-intensity or competitive training. 'If let's say you are doing [competitive] weightlifting, you cannot eat 10, 15 eggs in one go. So that's where concentrated protein becomes helpful. But normal people don't need it,' he said. 'You can take soy, concentrated soy drink, or chicken,' he said. As consumers navigate a protein supplement market crowded with bold claims on nutrition and performance benefits, experts agree — for most Malaysians, a pricey powder is unnecessary. A plate of chicken is all they need.
Vogue
26-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Supercharge Your Day With the Best Whey Protein Powder
If you're already working on upping your protein intake, you've likely spent some time searching for the best whey protein powder. That's because whey protein is one of the highest quality forms of protein available, says vice president of nutrition research for the National Dairy Council Matthew Pikosky, PhD, RDN. 'It has significant health benefits and is a great tool for anyone looking to add higher levels of protein in their diets,' he adds. Vogue's Favorite Whey Protein Powders: Some of those benefits include supporting weight loss, building muscle mass, improving bone health, and enhancing overall metabolic functions. 'According to a 2019 review, whey protein may have beneficial effects on metabolic measures like waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar,' says Pikosky. 'It can help regulate your appetite, reduce cravings, and boost energy levels.' The benefits of whey protein powder are many—we asked the experts to lay out everything you need to know about whey protein powder to help narrow down our list to the seven best whey protein powders on the market. In This Article: Best Overall: Puori Whey Protein Powder Puori Whey Protein Powder $69 AMAZON Why We Love It: Ingredient transparency is of the utmost importance for Puori, and the reason why it's earned the top spot for the best whey protein powders. The Clean Label Project published a report on heavy metals in protein powders and found that when it comes to protein powder, vanilla, unflavored, whey, or egg-based protein powders generally test lower for heavy metals than the average plant-based protein powders. (For reference, the study found that 28% of whey protein powders tested above California's Prop 65 safety limits for lead). Puori's Whey Protein Powder not only has the Clean Label Project Certified stamp of approval, it's also pesticide-free, hormone free, antibiotics free, and non-GMO (and as an added bonus, vanilla flavored). Plus, they publish their test results on their website so consumers can see it in full detail.
Health Line
21-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Whey Protein
Whey protein may help promote muscle growth, support weight loss, and manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and IBD, among other benefits. Whey is a liquid that separates from milk during cheese production. The protein part of whey is called whey protein. It's a complete, high quality protein that contains all of the essential amino acids. In addition, it's very digestible and absorbed from your gut quickly compared with other types of protein. These qualities make it one of the best dietary sources of protein available. Keep reading to learn more about 10 possible health benefits of whey protein. 1. Whey is an excellent source of high quality protein As a dietary supplement, whey protein is widely popular among bodybuilders, athletes, and others who want additional protein in their diet. There are three main types of whey protein powder, which are classified by their final protein concentration: Concentrate (WPC): equal to or less than 89% Isolate (WPI): equal to or greater than 90% Hydrolysate (WPH): variable WPC is the most common type and is usually the most affordable. WPI typically has the highest amount of protein and the fewest calories, as it's mostly protein. But it's usually more expensive. 2. May promote muscle growth Protein is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining or preventing muscle loss, especially as you get older. It can support the growth and recovery of cells necessary for muscle energy, tissue growth, and restoration. Whey protein, in particular, is known as a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs, but can only be obtained through diet. It's also rich in a branched-chain amino acid called leucine, which is the most growth-promoting of the amino acids. Some research suggests that whey protein supplementation may play an important role in preventing and managing age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. It may help build muscle mass and improve strength. However, it's important to note that resistance training should be a key part of anyone's weekly routine to help build muscle, regardless of age. Protein alone cannot support muscle growth. As such, the most effective strategy for muscle building is a combination of strength training and consuming a balanced diet of high protein foods, carbohydrates, and some healthy fats. 3. May lower blood pressure High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease. A 2023 review of 18 studies found that whey protein supplementation may help reduce systolic blood pressure. This refers to the pressure between the arteries when your heart beats. It's the top number in a blood pressure reading. The researchers also noted that whey protein may affect diastolic blood pressure when consuming more than 30 grams (g) of WPI per day, for 10 weeks, in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30. This effect may be due to a family of bioactive peptides in dairy called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). In particular, lactokinins. However, more research is needed to understand whey protein's possible effects on blood pressure. A 2019 study in people with overweight and mild to moderate hypertension found that taking 30 g of whey protein daily for 12 weeks helped reduce systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic. The authors concluded that the effects on blood pressure may have been due to weight loss, among other factors. 4. May help manage type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar and impaired insulin function. Insulin is a hormone that stimulates the uptake of blood sugar into cells, keeping it within healthy limits. Research suggests that whey protein supplementation may help manage diabetes in several ways, including: lowering blood sugar levels after eating increasing insulin levels and sensitivity to its effects managing blood glucose levels increasing levels of fullness lowering lipids, such as triglycerides As a result, whey protein may be effectively used as a supplementary treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, make sure to choose whey protein products that have minimal amounts of added sugars and carbs, as these can impact your blood glucose levels. 5. May help reduce inflammation Inflammation is part of the body's response to damage. Short-term inflammation can be beneficial, but under certain circumstances, it may become chronic. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, and it may reflect underlying health conditions or lifestyle habits that could harm health. A 2022 review found that whey protein supplementation helped reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), two key markers of inflammation in the body. 6. May help manage inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. It's a collective term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A 2024 review of human and animal studies suggests that whey protein supplementation may help promote IBD remission and prevent flare-ups by: secreting an intestinal protein called mucin reducing inflammation improving the function of the intestinal barrier supporting the gut microbiome and improving overall gut health 7. May enhance the body's antioxidant defenses Antioxidants are substances that act against oxidation in the body. This means they reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of various chronic diseases. According to a 2018 review, some in vitro studies found that whey protein may boost natural antioxidant defenses, especially glutathione, which his produced by your body. However, limited research has examined the effects of whey protein on antioxidants in humans. The researchers also noted that for whey protein to have any significant antioxidant effects, it must be processed through the gut and enter the bloodstream. As such, more research is needed to understand the effects of whey protein on antioxidants. 8. May have beneficial effects on blood fats High cholesterol, especially LDL (bad) cholesterol, is a risk factor for heart disease. Some research suggests that a combination of exercise and whey protein supplementation may help reduce LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, especially in people younger than 50 years old. In studies that lasted 12 weeks or longer, whey protein supplementation also helped reduce triglyceride levels. 9. May help reduce hunger Satiety is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness we experience after eating a meal. It's the opposite of appetite and hunger, and it should suppress cravings for food and the desire to eat. Some foods are more satiating than others, an effect which partly depends on their macronutrient (protein, carb, fat) composition. Some research suggests that protein is the most filling of the three macronutrients. It can help increase several fullness hormones, including: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) cholecystokinin (CCK) peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) However, not all proteins have the same effect on satiety. Whey protein appears to be more satiating than other types of protein, such as casein and soy, but more research is needed. 10. May help support weight management Increased consumption of protein is a well-known weight loss strategy. Eating more protein may help support fat loss by: increasing feelings of fullness reducing hunger and cravings throughout the day increasing the thermic effect of food maintaining muscle mass Whey protein has been shown to be particularly effective, especially when combined with frequent exercise and maintaining a calorie deficit. What are the possible side effects of whey protein? In general, whey protein is well tolerated when consumed at the recommended dosage. This is usually 25 to 50 g per day (1 to 2 scoops), but some products will include other recommendations on the packaging. Some people report that taking too much protein may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. These possible symptoms may include: bloating cramping flatulence diarrhea abdominal discomfort If you have lactose intolerance, whey protein hydrolysate or isolate may be more suitable than concentrate. It's also important to speak with a doctor before taking whey protein supplements if you have liver or kidney problems. »More on this: Side effects of protein supplements The bottom line Whey protein powder is one of the most common supplements for athletes, bodybuilders, and people trying to increase their daily protein intake. It may have several health benefits, such as promoting muscle growth and helping to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. If you have a kidney or liver condition, speak with a healthcare professional before taking whey protein supplements. They could recommend a proper dose for you or an alternative way to increase your protein intake.
