Various protein forms

[Lithare]

I just wondered if someone might be able to clue me in on the various processing forms for protein. Hydrolyzed and whatever else there is. I'm just wondering if it is simply differences in nutritional content and protein percentage, or if the metabolism of protein is affected by how it is made. I've read about such things several times, but I guess I need to hear it once more in a concise way not used in a protein ad. Thanks.

Brandon

[Lithare]

In case this is meaningless to everyone without further explanation, here is what I mean.

I have seen such words as "ion-exchange," "microfiltration," "cold-filtration," and "isolate" at a few different vendors. My favorite, trueprotein.com, seems big on pushing their processing styles. The prices are good, so I'm not worried about that. I just want to know if there is any actual benefit to these various methods.

[Gort]

Most of those are processing terms although hydrolyzing can improve gut absorbtion of certain dipeptides.

Protiens are made from chained groups of the twenty naturally occuring amino acids:

alanine - ala
arginine - arg
asparagine - asn
aspartic acid - asp
cysteine - cys
glutamine - gln
glutamic acid - glu
glycine - gly
histidine - his
isoleucine - ile
leucine - leu
lysine - lys
methionine - met
phenylalanine - phe
proline - pro
serine - ser
threonine - thr
tryptophan - trp
tyrosine - tyr
valine - val

Peptide bonds form amino acid molecules into polypeptide groups that are small enough to be directly absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream (BCAA - branched-chain amino acids). Longer structures found in normal foods must be broken down before being absorbed. This provides a time-release function similar to low glycemic index carbs.

There is a case to be made for ingesting BCAA's after intense workouts to quickly replenish the supply in the bloodstream. Most other times normal food is best. It makes little sense to suppliment you protien intake with BCAA's at bedtime for instance.

The industry has also come out with bioavailability figures which represent the relative efficiency of absorbtion and usage of the amino acid profile. These figures give a better indication of quality than just quoting the process used to make the product. A PDCAAS score of 1.0 and a PER score above 3.0 is desired.