The protein supplement Designer Whey claims to boost your energy, help you recover faster from exercise, and burn fat. Designer Whey contains several forms of whey protein, a watery substance extracted from milk during the cheese-making process, which is then formed into a powder. Whey protein is considered one of the most absorb-able proteins available for consumption and contains a number of branch chain essential amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. Designer Whey contains several ingredients in addition to whey protein.
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey protein concentrate is the least processed version of whey protein and contains anywhere from 29 to 89 percent protein per serving. Designer Whey lists whey protein concentrate as the first ingredient in its "Dietary Proprietary Blend," but does not specify the percentage of concentrate in this blend.
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolate undergoes more filtering and is considered the purest form of whey. As a result, it contains 90 to 98 percent protein per serving with little fat and lactose. The higher processing isolate undergoes makes it more expensive to manufacturers, but also improves the quality of the product in terms of absorption and availability to muscles. Designer Whey lists isolate as the second ingredient in the proprietary blend.
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Concentrate
Hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate has some of its amino acid chains broken down for easier absorption by the body. Although this results in a product that is partially predigested and thus readily available to your muscles, it also makes the protein taste very bitter. Designer Whey does not specify how much of its protein blend is made up of hydrolyzed whey protein--but in general, manufacturers do not include more than 20 percent because of how it affects taste.
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid that the body makes on its own. Reserves of l-glutamine can become depleted in times of stress such as injury or intense exercise. If the stores of l-glutamine are low, you might experience a loss in strength or energy or decreased immunity. It has not been proven that supplementation of l-glutamine works to correct a depletion, but some fitness enthusiasts recommend taking it to enhance recovery from exercise. Because there is no daily recommended allowance for supplements such as l-glutamine, it is unclear how much is actually present in Designer Whey and if it would be effective in assisting your strength.
Other Amino Acids
Designer Whey also contains additional amino acids reported to improve muscle growth and overall exercise performance. Taurine is an amino acid abundant in type II muscle fibers. It contributes to muscle power, increased muscle mass, recovery between bouts of exercise and overall performance. L-Leucine, another essential amino acid, helps increase growth hormone production and stabilizes blood sugar. L-Leucine also maintains blood sugar levels, and increases growth hormone production, energy and endurance. The essential amino acid l-phenylalanine has anti-depressant properties. All of these amino acids make up part of Designer Whey's proprietary blend, the actual amount in each serving is not listed.
Sweeteners
Designer Whey uses stevia leaf and Lo Han Guo to sweeten the flavored protein powders. A natural sweetener derived from plants in the sunflower family, stevia is now approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Stevia tastes 300 times sweeter than sugar, but contains no calories. Luo Han Guo is a fruit that has been used for hundreds of years in China to sweeten foods and to heal certain medical conditions. Lo Han Guo has very low calories and does not spike blood sugar like table sugar.
Member Comments