Whey protein

Proteins, or polypeptides, are organic compounds made up of amino acids linked together in a linear chain. The sequence of aminos is defined by the organisms genetic code. Proteins play a vital part in pretty much all bodily functions, aiding metabolism and providing the basic building blocks of cells. From a body building point of view, proteins are the stuff muscles are made from – it’s that simple – and a source of protein is absolutely vital if muscle is to be added and retained.

Protein as part of your workout

Traditionally protein has been associated with red meat, but it is certainly not the only source, nor is it best suited for body building. Meat takes a long while to digest, which can interfere with rigourous training schedules and take energy away from activities such as workouts. So increasingly body builders have been looking to have protein in more readily ingested forms. There is also the fact that body builders require much more protein than regular people, so supplements have appeared on the scene that allow them to ingest much more protein, more easily. These supplements have also helped to circumvent some of the problems with high protein intake. Many protein sources are not only not that easy to digest, but they come with a variety of things that performance athletes definitely do not want such as fats and lactose. Supplements have now been designed to extract only the most useful protein from sources such as milk and eggs, and deliver that without the unwanted bits.

Who can benefit from protein supplements?

Pretty much any athlete requires extra protein. Their goals may be different but without strong muscle mass, it is difficult to imagine any athlete achieving much. Some athletes who can especially benefit from protein supplements include:

• Body builders. This is by far the most obvious one. Most people don’t realize that muscles are constantly ‘re organising’ and that it is very easy to ‘burn’ muscle as you exercise. To avoid losing muscle mass through exercise, which in itself is vital for triggering growth, a protein supplement is required. And it should be noted that different proteins digest at different rates so it is a good idea to use a supplement that will combine quick release proteins with those that release more slowly. It is a little known fact that up to 40% of muscular bulk is added during deep sleep, so a protein supplement needs to be able to supply hungry muscles with protein all the time
• Cyclists require massive leg strength and this can only come from solid musculature. The problem is they do so much cardio vascular work that they tend to ‘burn’ off muscle very quickly. And because so much of their training involves being on their bike, they need to be able to take on large amounts of protein in a readily digestible form. Supplements are ideal because they can provide a huge dose of protein in a form that is quickly and easily digested
• Power lifters also require massive muscular strength and a certain amount of this really depends on also having considerable bulk. Like body builders they need to be able to retain this bulk and not ‘burn’ it off during the extreme physical exertion of their sport
• Football players however perhaps represent best the dilemma of trying to reconcile muscle mass with physical exertion. For footballers there is a need to have a certain level of muscle mass, but the huge workload of aerobic activity they do means it gets ‘burnt off’ incredibly quickly. Keeping weight on is a major challenge in fast moving, high contact ball sports and whey protein supplements are essential for helping to keep weight on

There is virtually no sport that doesn’t benefit from the use of protein supplements and in fact it is now next to impossible to compete at an elite level in some sports without the advantage they bring.

Why use protein supplements?

Put simply the battle to gain and retain muscle mass relies upon an elevated intake of protein above normal dietary levels. In some sports, such as body building, this requirement is intense, and certainly in football it is always a battle to remain fit whilst keeping physical bulk. Today’s protein supplements can deliver this vital building block of muscle, in an easily ingested form, without some of the negatives that often come with it such as fats and lactose.