Finding the Elusive Complete-Protein Source
Images of “protein powder” containers with
accomplished bodybuilders on their labels help inform
consumers that protein is a critical macronutrient in
strength training success. Yet what is sometimes lost
in this protein-bodybuilding link is that protein is
an essential component for everyone, regardless of
physical activity. Even those who live sedentary
lives must ensure that their protein intake is
complete and balanced.
The importance of protein in diet is undeniable.
Protein creates digestive enzymes, transports other
vitamins and nutrients, builds and repairs body
tissue, and helps keep harmful bacteria at bay[i].
These are bodily system function that all people need
– not just bodybuilders and other athletes.
Eating the appropriate composition of protein in
meals is, however, proving to be an unusually
difficult challenge for many Americans. To begin
with, many protein sources are not considered
“complete” because they do not provide all of the
required amino acids necessary in order to build
newer proteins. These incomplete proteins are often
derived from fruit, grain, vegetable, and nut
sources[ii]. However, the alternative to these
incomplete protein sources – such as meats and dairy
– present their own unique dietary challenges.
The first challenge with respect to these meat-based
sources of complete protein is that they are not an
option for vegetarians. While the number of US
vegetarians is difficult to pinpoint, educated
estimates suggest that there are about 6 million
adult vegetarians in the US, and the number is
growing annually[iii]. Therefore, 6 million adult
Americans cannot access complete protein through meat
sources.
The second challenge is that many meat- and
dairy-based meals in the US are excessively high in
saturated fat, calories, sodium, and other unhealthy
elements. As such, while those who frequent fast food
restaurants for their source of complete protein may
not suffer from protein deficiency, a disconcerting
number of these people will suffer from poor health.
This includes: obesity, clogged arteries, high blood
pressure, and other adverse consequences what medical
experts call the “social irresponsibility” of the
fast food industry[iv].
The clear challenge for nutritional experts is to
identify a protein source that is both healthy and
complete. The consequences of not finding a suitable
protein source range from underperforming digestive
systems and chemical imbalances to the ill effects of
a condition called “Kwashiorkor”. More frequent in
developing countries but with reported incidinces in
the US, Kwashiorkor occurs in extreme
protein-deficiency situations when when the body
cannibalizes itself in a desperate attempt to find a
source of protein.
Several attempts have been made to find the ideal
complete protein source: one that is healthy,
accessible to all eaters, and convenient. Indeed,
this last criterion of convenience is of particular
importance, because many Americans in the 21st
century evidently have less time to eat than ever
before.
Some of these attempts to find the ideal complete
protein source hearken back a few generations. The
classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has been
adopted as a complete protein source by some, but
rejected by many more. While peanut butter does
provide a good source of protein, the sodium content
of most grocery store peanut butter brands, and the
high carbohydrate and fat levels of the average “PB&J
on white” keep it from being an ideal choice[v].
Other proposed solutions are more recent inventions.
These include the range of nutritional powders and
“energy” bars available in most health food stores,
and in a growing number of grocery stores. With
respect to protein powders, while some of them do
provide a decent source of protein, it is simply not
a convenient source for most people. With respect to
energy bars, many of them have been criticized for
their high calorie and carbohydrate levels.
Another solution – and one that is garnering some
serious acclaim from within the health community – is
fluid nutritional supplements that are easy to
transport, and offer a complete protein source
suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
alike[1]. At the same time, these products are
specifically designed to be low-calorie (and
therefore diet-friendly), and offer additional
nutrients and vitamins that the body needs in
addition to complete protein.
These innovative, complete protein products are a
positive sign in a nutritional sector that has
struggled with misinformation. Regrettably, many
so-called energy bars and protein powders are laden
with calories and carbohydrates. Some of them – in
particular many energy bars – hardly offer any
protein, which is a curious omission that most
consumers do not realize as they ingest these
products.
Fortunately, as noted above, there are scientifically
engineered products on the market that deliver the
complete protein and nutrition that consumers expect
when they purchase something with the words
“nutritional supplement” on the container.
About Protica
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional
research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures
capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact,
hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage
containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat.
Information on Protica is available at
http://www.protica.com
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