The Facts

• Protein is composed of amino acid chains that are used by the body for everything from DNA to bone tissue. There are two types of amino acids: essential and nonessential. Essential amino acids must be taken in through the diet, and nonessential amino acids can be manufactured by the liver. The average person needs approximately 50 g of protein each day. One way of evaluating protein quality is by identifying its Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). PDCAAS scoring was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to standardize protein values. The highest score on the scale is 1 and is used to identify many animal proteins. Soy protein isolates also score a 1 on the PDCAAS scale.
  
  

Function

• Protein is a multipurpose nutrient used for a number of functions, including muscle building, blood formation, enzyme production and hormone production. Individuals who exercise have a greater need for protein due to the demands on their bodies. In those cases the 50 g per day requirement must be increased significantly to build muscle and repair tissue damaged by lifting weights, playing sports or engaging in any number of cardiovascular exercises.
  
  

Types

• There is a wide selection of protein available that is designed to meet the specific needs of various groups. At the top of the list is whey protein. In 2005, food industry magazine Stagnito's stated that "whey protein contains minerals, vitamins and all the essential amino acids the body requires for good health." The downside for many consumers is that it is an animal source of protein. A vegetarian alternative to whey is soy protein. Some consumers are allergic to soy, so they seek other options. Other vegetarian forms of protein include rice, hemp, quinoa and millet. Consumers must be careful when selecting protein supplements to ensure that they get a complete profile of amino acids. A complete profile, also known as a complete protein, has all of the essential amino acids.
  
  

Packaging and Cost

• The packaging of protein supplements is more important than many consumers realize because of the direct impact it has on cost. The more convenient and individualized the package, the more the protein costs. Protein is sold in individual serving packets, cans, bags, tubs, drums and in bulk. The most cost-effective way to purchase quality protein supplements is from health food stores that have drums of protein powder from which consumers can scoop out the amount they wish to purchase. Because there is so little packaging, the powder tends to be significantly less expensive even though it is high-quality protein.
  
  

Considerations

• Consumers who plan to use protein powders as meal replacements should learn to read labels effectively. Not all protein powders serve as effective meal replacements. The FDA requires that protein drinks contain carbohydrates in order to be marketed as meal replacements. Consumers should not assume that a protein powder is a meal replacement without checking the label.