How do I know if this whey protein isolate is good?

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Dear Dr. Feigenbaum,

I live in Germany, so unfortunately I can’t order your Whey RX here, so I’ve been relying on the local market for protein supplements.

The protein powder showed the amino acid profiles by 100g ratios, so I calculated the leucine, valine, and isoleucine contents per scoop (30g), which amounted to

2.88g leucine
1.56 valine
1.86 isoleucine.

It also says that the total protein amount per 30g (per scoop) is 25.2g protein. Is this a good protein supplement?

As for whether the product is CGMP certified, I am unsure as this is a German product. I’m not well versed in the manufacturing processes in Germany, but that aside, is the amino acid profile good enough?

Sincerely,

Eddie Mun

2

I can’t speak to the amino acid profile, as it’s not listed here. The BCAA content does not raise any alarm bells. As I’ve mentioned in a number of places previously, I would make sure there’s no evidence of protein spiking (e.g. high glycine content, glutamine, creatine, etc.), has < 120 Calories per serving, and is certified.

For the latter, I would look for cGMP certification (in Europe this may be EU-cGMP or WHO cGMP) and 3rd party testing like Informed Consent, NSF, etc.

3

Any glutamine or creatine in a whey protein supplement is a red flag. Typical glycine content is like 1.15g per 100g whey. Anything significantly higher than that is also a red flag.

Eddie, I will not be reviewing the amino acid profile personally for you, as I think you’re capable of making this decision on your own.

4

Would you consider 1.6g per 100g of protein significantly higher?

5

Thank you, doc!

6

It’s not crazy high, but still no real reason for it.

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7

Thanks for the info!

8

Thanks for the info on the protein spiking – never knew dumping creatine in was a way cheap way to boost protein figs.

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