Protein Powders

When Is there a need for extra dietary protein?

• Body builders looking to quickly add muscle size 
• Extra protein is used to replace fats and carbohydrates for weight loss 
• Extra protein is added to prevent muscle loss during the ageing process  
• To maintain muscle mass during illness recovery or after surgery
• There is also need for some extra protein the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy

SOURCES OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS 

• Egg Protein
• Milk Solids Protein (Casein)
• Milk liquid proteins (Whey)
• Soy Protein
• Beef Protein
• Brown Rice Protein
• Pea Protein
• Liver and Yeast Protein
• Hemp Protein
• Sunflower (seeds) Protein
• Nut butter Proteins
• Grain proteins 

Liver and Brewers Yeast were the first protein supplements. Then Milk, Whey, and Soy became dominate. Whey quickly gained superior status.  Soy protein issues became controversial, and lately as animal disease issues rose up, plant proteins gained popularity.

What are the Different Protein Types and Forms? 

• Concentrates
• Isolates
• Hydrolyzed 

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES FOR PROTEIN POWDERS? 

• All the sources have issues that need clarification
• Some sources and formats require different levels of processing
• Some forms like concentrates are the leasted processed while the isolates need more
• Lecithin, a source of phosphates, is often added which adds to dietary amount of phosphorus and may puch levels up into adverse actions, especially if calcium intake lower.
• Heavy metal contamination is also a concern, since many protein sources are from Countties with lower standards of protection. Rice protein from China may haver higher levels of cadmium since both human and animal fertilizers are used on growing crops. 
• Cleaner sources like non-GMO and Organic can produce healthier finished produces, but again, organic sources might mean higher heavy metal contamination from natural source fertilizers instead of pure chemical sources. 

To be continued 

notes

some body builders exhibited Liver and Kidney damages

bone loss was found to increase

onsuming animal forms of extra protein might have increased pH into the acid range for those without enough dietary alkaline minerals to balance.

increase the need for body processes to withdraw these minerals out of bones.

Plant source proteins put less stress on pH change than animal sources. Another reason to eat vegetables.

Also unknown until recently, a high protein diet, more so from animal than plant protein sources, can upset the intestinal tract microbial balance and tip it toward undesirable bacterial types. Again this might be from a pH or acid alkaline balance modification. Animal protein sources contain sulfur, an acid producing mineral, while plant protein sources do not. Animal sources of proteins were mainly used since they contain the complete amino acid profile while plant sources do not. Mixing two or three plant sources together gets closer to complete. Plant proteins are low in the sulfur containing amino acids, the building blocks of protein.  

Vitamin B6 (mixups)

Everyone reading about vitamin B6 will quickly recognize it's valuable contributions for health. ref Vitamin B6 participates in over 100 co-enzyme functions helping to digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, with benefits to brain, bone, immune, and hormone health. Vitamin B6 also plays a water balance function with the Kidneys. 

But, like so many other essential nutrients, there are specific amounts or levels that need to be respected with adverse conditions possible at both low and excessive amounts. Nerves begin showing damage at both low and excessive vitamin B6 intakes while nerves are supported within the proper window of amounts. The same holds for healthy bones. For bones, Vitamin B6 helps maintain homocysteine at healthy amounts since homocysteine at elevated levels interferes with protein cross-linking collagen formation. Cross-linking is necessary process for bone strength.

Seniors appear to need some B6 supplements since they tend to not get enough food to supply B6 for these vital functions. Supplements of low dosage B6 at 4-6 mg. consumed over a long time span should maintain B6 functions and help build strong bones and protect nerves and brain plus hormone balance. A low dosage B complex (good luck finding one) or it might be best to get B6 in a multi-vitamin since they all include the B complex.

Taking 4-6 mg of vitamin B6 should satisfy the nutritional B6 requirement of 1.5 - 1.7 mg with a hint of overage even with lowering absorption rates. Remember that food obviously supplies some B6 as well as other the other B complex factors.

FYI: Since Vitamin B6 has so many areas of influence, it can be found in many specific products so add up all amounts in formulas you take. While it is rare for neurological events to manifest in amounts under 100 mg, there are a few people that might be adversely impacted over 50mg. The new observation that 35 mg or more with 20 mcg of more of vitamin B12 was associated with increased hip fractures should add a measure of precaution. Notice that the new criteria has a very low amount for vitamin B6 of just 3-6 mg. This is from studies that tested 1.5, 5 mg and 20 mg amounts, there was little change in results or blood levels between 5 and 20 mg. Lower numbers are preferred when range is given. Work with your medical team if you have special conditions.