The Types Of Protein Shakes

Protein shakes contain a variety of ingredients, different types of protein and various flavors. Some protein shakes come ready-made, and some are blended at home with powdered shake mix. Manufacturers say protein shakes are safe, despite Consumer Reports research that found heavy metals -- arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead -- in all tested protein shakes. Athletes, dieters, teens, pregnant women and other busy people drink protein shakes. Many do not know that excessive protein can lead to kidney and digestive problems, dehydration or osteoporosis.

Whey

Whey protein, which comes from cow's milk, is a high-quality protein that contains essential amino acids, which the University of Florida describe as the building blocks for creating all proteins. Amino acids also help with building cells, repairing tissue and forming antibodies. Your body cannot manufacture the nine essential amino acids; they must come from the foods you eat. Whey has been referred to as the most nutritious protein available, according to a September 2009 U.S. Pharmacist journal article. Some shakes with whey as the primary protein source are Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan, High Protein Creamy Chocolate Shake Mix and BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder Chocolate Milkshake.

Although whey is low in lactose, people with lactose intolerance may find some whey products difficult to digest. Shakes made with whey protein isolates can be lactose-free as long as the label specifies this.

Soy

Soy protein is a digestible plant-based protein source that has antioxidant qualities thought to protect cells from damage and the body from some diseases. Soy protein is as effective as many animal sources of protein, but some male athletes are under the erroneous impression that soy protein lowers testosterone blood levels and can reduce their lean body mass, says Dr. Jose Antonio, co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Dr. Antonio adds that some women use soy protein shakes to try to ease symptoms of menopause, even though research about this benefit is inconclusive.

Soy is the main protein source for many shakes, including Genisoy Soy Protein Chocolate Protein Shake, Alive! Soy Ultra-Shake Vanilla Powder and Tropical Fruit Herbalife ShapeWorks Nutritional Shake Mix.

Casein

Casein protein is the main protein in milk. It is used in protein shakes, in meal replacement shakes and in bedtime snack shakes because it is absorbed slowly and contains slow-digesting amino acids that prevent hunger throughout the night.

Casein, or calcium caseinate and milk protein isolate, is the primary protein source in Pure Protein Ready to Drink Vanilla Cream Shake, Ultra Pure Frosty Chocolate Protein Shake and Lean Body RTD-Labrada Hi-Protein Banana Milk Shake.

Combined Proteins

Some protein shakes use plant proteins other than soy. Genus protein comes from yellow peas, a vegetable-based protein. Pea protein is high in glutamine and arginine -- easy to digest, low in fat content and a good protein to use in blends with whey, rice or soy. Protein shakes that use pea protein are Spirugreens Protein Chocolate Shake, which contains soy, rice and pea proteins; and Nature's Plus Source Of Life Energy Shake, containing non-GMO isolated soy protein and a blend of non-GMO rice protein, pea protein and a combination of non-fermented and fermented soy.

Different protein sources have different benefits. Some shakes that combine proteins include Premier Protein High Protein Ready To Drink Shakes, with whey, soy and casein; Special K Protein Milk Chocolate Shakes, with calcium caseinate and soy; and Carb Solutions Rich Chocolate Shake Mix, made with soy protein solate, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, whey protein isolate and dried egg white.