Protein Spiking

     Have you heard of protein spiking? It is also known as amino spiking or nitrogen spiking. Ring a bell? I hope so! It is a terrifying truth that many lifters don't know anything about. And I'll be honest, before March 2015 neither had I. Now after doing a ton of research I know the awful truth. And it is devastating.

     When you shop for protein powders, one of the first determining factors is most likely the protein content. Right? Well, it should be. That's what you're trying to buy. If you're serious about building muscle you probably end up buying the powder with the most protein available. What if I told you that the number listed on the nutrition label could be completely false? What if I told you that the 30 grams you think you're drinking is a HUGE LIE?!?!

     You don't think that companies that are trying to make money will take any shortcuts in order to save a buck? You don't think that there are thousands of companies out there that manipulate the system? Well, they do. All of the time. I remember learning this gruesome fact in my Nutrition class taught at the University of Utah. There are so many schemes out there when it comes to labeling. Just because it is FDA certified does not mean that you are not being deceived. And some companies just outright lie on their labels. I knew that companies were great at creating misconceptions, but I did not know they actually cheat on nutritional value tests. 

Ok, so what is protein spiking? 

It is a technique that companies use to manipulate tests so that they can add in less protein than what is actually written on their label. 

How can they do this?

Easy. Proteins are made up of amino acid chains. Imagine a beaded necklace if you will. The whole necklace is a protein. Each bead is an amino acid. Each one of those beads contain nitrogen particles because amino acids contain nitrogen. The test that is currently used to test the amount of protein doesn't actually measure protein content. It measures the nitrogen content, which is supposed to give an accurate protein reading. If companies weren't so slimy then this would be alright and we could trust the test. But greedy companies have found a way to cheat the system - protein spiking. 

How do they do it?

They add in extra amino acids. Amino acids are great if used correctly, but these ones are just used as filler. They have no beneficial purpose in your protein. They are only added to boost the nitrogen content of the product. When it is tested it reads as a higher protein content. Yes, some amino acids are beneficial to your body, but not the benefit you are looking for when you purchase a protein powder. Especially if it's not essential or complete.

Why do they do it?

Manufacturing protein is very expensive. Whey protein, egg protein, casein protein, and milk protein are not cheap (but they are the good stuff!). Most of your amino acids are much cheaper than these ingredients. 

What does it mean?

Well, it means that your 30 grams of protein is actually 15 grams of Whey protein, 5 grams of Taurine, 5 grams of Glycine, and 5 grams of Glutamine (this is only an example). That means you're actually only getting 15 grams of protein per serving. And you just got ripped off! And you won't be getting ripped anytime soon. 

     Kind of freaky huh? Well, it gets way more in depth than that, but I think that's where I'll end that discussion. Just know that unless they list the exact grams of each protein listed (NOT PERCENTAGES!) then you're better off without it. And this does not mean you should stop taking your BCAA's! Amino acids are great, but you don't want to lose protein content just because they were added to your protein powder. If you want a better explanation of this check it out HERE.

    Summit Nutritions  has created a Pure Whey Protein Isolate that has not been tampered by protein spiking. HooRaY! They measure the protein content by weight. One serving contains 25g of protein. Which is awesome! Their product includes amino acids, but it is in addition to the protein. One packet has a rate of 92% net protein utilization, 3.6 protein efficiency ratio, 159 biological value, and 1.0 PDCAA's. One serving of their Dutch Chocolate contains 26g of full spectrum amino acids, 5.22g Glycopeptides (GMP), 5.6g BCAA's, 4.8g glutamine precursors, and 25g of protein. 

     Summit Nutritions' Pure Whey Protein Isolate is also non denaturated and non ion exchange. It is also lactose free, gluten free, soy free, BSE/TSE free, non-GMO, and Kosher certified. It contains 0g saturated fat, 0mg lactose, 0mg fillers and excipients, < 1% cholesterol, < 1% carbohydrates, and only 110 calories. There are no proprietary blends, dextrose, maltodextrin, ion exchange whey, fat, sugar, banned substances, or acid treated whey included in their product. And it is made in the USA!

     I received a sample of Summit Nutritions' Pure Whey Protein Isolate in Dutch Chocolate. Technically, it was 3 packages of single serving portions. You can actually purchase them on Amazon if you want to try it out before you purchase an entire tub. Because I have made that mistake before and it stinks.

     The first packet I used after I went running. I did a 4 mile run while pushing a jogging stroller. That's some tough work! And it was a really scary run. But we won't get into that - just know that I won't be doing that route again until I have my concealed carry. But I came home and mixed it with 8 ounces of water. A true test of a tasty protein is if you can drink it with just water. I wasn't a fan and neither was my husband when I had him try it when he came home. There were some great perks to it though. It mixed very well. It takes a couple of minutes to completely dissolve, but once it does it is very smooth. No clumps! And once it is mixed it stays mixed! Every other protein powder I have tried starts to settle every time you stop shaking it. Not this protein powder though. It stayed mixed and never settled. Even when I let it sit for over 30 minutes. Now that is impressive!

      The second packet I tried after doing a Bosu ball workout at home. I lOVE my new Bosu ball! But we'll chat about that later. This post is already long enough. This time I mixed it with only 4 ounces of 1% milk. It took a couple of minutes once again to dissolve, but once it did it was perfectly smooth and creamy! It tastes better when it is creamy.... but doesn't everything? jkjk. 

     The taste still wasn't my favorite though. Maybe because it was DUTCH chocolate. I am a huge fan of milk chocolate and I don't really care much for other varieties. That's most likely why I can't eat this stuff like a Wendy's Frosty....... sorry I had to go get a napkin for my drool. But I have to admit, my nutrition is not on point lately. I kind of have a sweet tooth going on and so healthy foods don't taste as good as they do when I'm training. They're used to my food being loaded with sugar, salt, or fat right now. And this product is way too healthy for my jacked up taste buds. So, if you want a really healthy protein shake that is packed full of protein then you better

Suck it up
Buttercup
and chug!

     It is worth it for the health benefits. Do you want lots of protein to help build and repair your muscles? Or do you want a protein shake with half the actual protein content, but tastes like Dairy Queen? Maybe I shouldn't ask you that. lol. Trust me though, if you want results you need a good product. And Summit Nutritions' Pure Whey Protein Protein Isolate is just that. I think I would have enjoyed Vanilla more than Dutch Chocolate. But if they ever come out with milk chocolate I'll be the first person in line. 

     The third way I tried this protein was my absolute favorite though!!! I made a mock Butterfinger Protein Shake. Is your mouth already watering? Mine is. It was so dang good. I bet you'll LOVE it (as long as you're not a Butterfinger-hater). If you want to try it out, then check out my post here for the recipe. 

     I decided to take a gander at the nutrition label of the protein powder sitting in my cupboard. Guess what?! Glycine is listed as the second ingredient. That means that my $60.00 tub of protein powder that claims 26g of protein has been spiked. And there is no way for me to figure out the deficit. Dangit! And it is made with sucralose. NOOOoooo!!!!! I am dying right now. What have I been putting in my body these past couple of years??? This is so not cool. Not only did I get ripped off, but I was also fed a carcinogenic compound. Aagghh!  I am getting rid of this poison right now and I will never purchase it again. Plus, I can get Summit Nutrition's protein powder way cheaper! And they sweeten their product with Stevia, which is plant derived and not chemically altered in a lab.

That white blob is to protect the accused company's name.

    Thanks to Summit Nutritions, my eyes have been opened. I am so thankful for this honest company. They will definitely have my business in the future. And I hope you can find a company you can trust too!