New Primal Egg Protein offers an egg-cellent protein option
When it comes to supporting muscle growth and recovery, whey is generally considered a superior protein source due to its complete amino acid profile and high biological value (BV) – a method that assesses the quality of a protein in relation to how fast the body can digest and utilise the constituent amino acids based on nitrogen retention.
However, not everyone can tolerate the lactose in dairy-based whey, while other people may want an alternative quality protein for environmental or dietary reasons. Thankfully, there are numerous options available, such as plant-based products to innovations like Primal Egg Protein.
Protein powerhouse
Egg albumen (the clear, liquid part of the egg surrounding the yolk, also known as the egg white) is where you find the majority of the protein in eggs – a large egg provides around 4 grams of protein.
The egg white boasts a high BV of 100 (slightly lower than the 104 of whey protein) and the highest protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) – a more complete assessment of protein quality compared to BV – of any whole food at 1.0 (whey also scores a 1.0).
You can also find various micronutrients in egg whites in small amounts, including sodium, potassium, selenium and other trace minerals.
Liquid to powder
Egg protein powder is typically produced by spray drying pasteurised egg albumen, which turns into a powder. The dried egg powder might go through an additional grinding step to produce a finer consistency for easier mixing and consumption.
The end result is an animal-derived protein supplement that has a similar BV to whey (104 vs 91) that also has a complete amino acid profile, including the nine essential amino acids that your body can’t produce on its own, offering a naturally lactose-free convenient and concentrated protein alternative to whey that is suitable for ovo-vegetarians.
A versatile product
Primal Egg Protein is the ideal option to consume between meals to increase your total daily protein intake to support muscle growth, as a pre-workout shake, which may assist to limit muscle loss, and as a post-workout drink to boost recovery, especially as it offers a more sustained release of amino acids compared to whey.
Egg white protein powder is typically low in calories and fat, making it ideal for those watching their weight while aiming to build muscle.
Important considerations
Due to the nature of the product, a layer of foam may form when shaken with water. While this product may offer a suitable protein supplement alternative to whey for those with a lactose intolerance or dairy allergy, it is not suitable for anyone with an egg allergy.
Ultimately, with such a negligible difference in BV between egg white protein powder and whey protein, the choice often boils down to individual needs and preferences, such as lactose intolerance or potential egg allergies.
Primal Egg Protein is available at Dis-Chem stores nationwide and online at www.primalsa.co.za in Chocolate and Vanilla flavours.
If you have any concerns about egg allergies or incorporating this product into your diet, consult a healthcare professional.