3 Types of Protein Powders as Treatment to Some Illnesses

When you think of protein, you are probably thinking about meat, such as pork, beef, chicken, or fish. While meat and meat products contain a significant amount of protein, other food groups also contain this energy-giving compound. These food groups are eggs, dairy products, nuts, and legumes and beans. The need for protein is increasing. Because of this, the compound has even been processed to take the form of protein powder. There are three primary forms of protein powder. These are protein concentrates, protein isolates, and protein hydrolysates.

Protein concentrates

Providing 60 to 80 per cent of protein, this type of protein powder can be extracted from protein sources of food using heat or acid. Some protein sources from which concentrates may be extracted from are dairy products, specifically butter, milk, and eggs. Concentrates contain lactose. For this reason, these are not the go-to choice for people who have lactose intolerance. However, some nutritionists recommend protein concentrates for underweight persons or persons with undernutrition.

Around 462 million persons are underweight all over the world. For children under five years of age, about 45% of deaths are linked to being underweight. The protein, fat, and dairy content of this form of protein powder will help build muscle, strengthen bones, and provide energy. Concentrates are one of the options for managing underweight persons.

Protein isolates

This type of protein powder has reduced lactose content. Most of the lactose content in isolates are lost during processing. Containing about 90 to 95 per cent of protein per serving, the isolates are the preferred choice for those looking for that boost of energy without adding on the extra fat and carbohydrates. Fewer servings of this protein powder will promote muscle mass much quicker than concentrates.

Also, this is less irritant to the guts of people with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance or lactose malabsorption is the inability to digest the sugar or lactose in dairy products fully. Because of this, those with such intolerance may experience gas, diarrhea, and bloating after consumption of dairy products. Despite being generally harmless, lactose intolerance is reported by the Mayo Clinic to be very uncomfortable. Mixing in your protein isolates with food or drink will reduce the chance of gut problems associated with lactose intolerance.

Protein hydrolysates

Hydrolysates are one of the sources of high-quality protein; this is especially important for people who need to increase muscle mass. Because of the high protein content of the hydrolysates, they are sometimes recommended for persons with conditions of muscle dystrophy.

This condition may cause weakness in the muscles and loss of muscle mass. Some of the signs and symptoms of muscular dystrophy, according to Mayo Clinic, may include muscle pain and stiffness, waddling gait, difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position, and frequent falls. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause worldwide of accidental injury deaths.

Depending on what is needed, the different kinds of protein powder each has its uses. Each of these protein powder has different content and concentrations. Today, a person does not need to consume mounds of meat to achieve the preferred level of protein in the body. With technology as always aiming to simplify life, converting protein into these easy to absorb forms have provided a convenient solution that is truly revolutionary.

Author Bio: Paul Sebastian is a blogger and writer. He loves to express his ideas and thoughts through his writings.