Information On Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder 10

Optimum Nutrition 100 percent whey protein powder is a high-quality, concentrated whey protein blend designed as a dietary supplement to increase your protein intake. This product is marketed specifically towards weightlifters and bodybuilders who want to add muscle mass and may require additional dietary protein. This supplement comes in a variety of flavors and offers calories and some other nutrients--in addition to protein.

Identification

Whey is a component of milk protein. When milk is treated, this causes a shift in its pH level, separating the casein from the whey. Raw whey is collected and undergoes various processing steps to become the whey protein powder you find in supplement form. Additional processing and filtration is required to increase the protein concentration. When it reaches 88 percent, it is called whey protein isolate (WPI). At less than that, it is known as whey protein concentrate (WPC). Optimum Nutrition 100 percent whey protein powder is a blend of WPIs and WPCs.

Basic Nutrition Information

Optimum Nutrition 100 percent whey protein powder comes in individual packets as well as 1, 2, 5 or 10 lb. canisters, in flavors such as Extreme Milk Chocolate, Rocky Road, Tropical Punch, Banana Cream and Orange Cream. One rounded scoop (32g) provides 130 calories, 1.5g fat (0.5g saturated), 24g protein, 4g carbohydrates (1g sugar) and 100mg sodium. It is sweetened with artificial sweeteners. One serving of this protein powder meets 10 percent of the Recommended Daily Value (DV) for calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral important for building strong bones and healthy teeth.

Quality of Whey Protein

Whey proteins score a 1.14 on the "Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score," but the reported score is 1.0 (maximum allowed value by the USDA). That means that it is a complete protein source. In addition, whey protein has a high biological value, earning a score of 100, higher than other types of proteins, even soy protein. The "Protein Efficiency Ratio" of whey is 3.2, just under that of an egg, which is 3.9. Each of these rankings tells you about the quality of a protein source. According to these rankings, whey protein is a high-quality protein source, well absorbed and used by the human body.

Beneficial for Athletes

Optimum Nutrition 100 percent whey protein is a source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and essential amino acids. These are particularly important for individuals who are involved in sports or weight training. BCAAs are taken up directly by the skeletal muscles, as opposed to being metabolized through the liver. So, during vigorous exercise, more BCAAs are required. Low levels may contribute to premature fatigue during exercise. Optimally, consuming BCAAs within two hours of exercise may promote muscle-building and enhance performance. Whey protein helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue broken down by exercise.

Recommended Supplement

Optimum Nutrition 100 percent whey protein powder is one of the three top selling protein powder supplements, according to the Muscle & Strength website. It is recommended for both its high quality and good flavor by Bodybuildingforyou.com and the Muscle & Strength websites. Optimum Nutrition 100 percent whey protein won the Supplement of The Year and Protein Powder Of The Year award for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. While not rich enough in calories or carbohydrates to be a balanced meal replacement supplement, this protein powder is beneficial for adding readily absorbed high-quality protein to your diet post-workout or if you cannot consume enough to meet your body's needs.