Protein supplements are used by athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts to provide additional protein to their diet. Whey protein -- derived as a by-product of milk -- is one of the most common forms of protein and supplies branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, that promote muscle growth and tissue repair. Optimum Nutrition is a sports nutritional company that offers various whey protein products that compare to other leading whey protein supplements.
Function
Used primarily as a dietary supplement for athletes and workout enthusiasts, whey protein and Optimum Nutrition can also be used as meal replacements or as ingredients in recipes. Classic whey protein is generally made from basic ingredients without added features. Optimum Nutrition, however, has several varieties of whey protein such as Platinum Hydro Whey, which contains a blend of whey proteins for maximum benefits.
Features
Whey protein is available in flavors such as vanilla and chocolate. Optimum Nutrition offers strawberry and chocolate in the Platinum Hydro Whey and 10 flavors in the 100% Whey Gold Standard including chocolate malt, banana cream and strawberry banana. Some whey protein supplements come in specialty flavors such as cinnamon bun, chocolate mint, white chocolate and crème brulee.
Features of Optimum Nutrition that separate it from classic whey protein is the addition of digestive enzymes and hydrolyzed whey protein isolates, which enhance utilization, absorption and delivery to the muscles.
Size
The majority of the calories in whey protein and Optimum Nutrition come from protein, with most supplements containing 20 g to 30 g of protein per serving. Some classic whey protein, however, contains added fat and cholesterol along with carbohydrates and sugars. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard contains 120 calories per serving, including 24 g of protein and only 1 g of fat and 3 g of carbohydrates. The Platinum Hydro Whey contains 140 calories and 30 g of protein from hydrolyzed whey protein isolates.
Benefits
Whey protein supplements are commonly fortified with additional vitamins and minerals that act as antioxidants against diseases and sickness. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard contains 10 percent of the daily recommended intake for calcium with only 60 mg of sodium per serving. Platinum Hydro Whey also contains the same amount of calcium but also provides two percent of the daily recommended intake for iron.
Price
The price for Optimum Nutrition is among the lowest for whey protein supplements. For example, one serving of 100% Whey Gold Standard costs approximately $0.39 while Nitro-Tech costs $0.94. The cost per gram of protein is only $0.01 for Optimum Nutrition and other whey protein supplements can cost as much as $0.05 per gram.
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