A Comprehensive Guide to Primal Protein Powders for Every Goal
A good protein supplement is essential in every gym-goer’s nutrition plan, whether your aim is to build more muscle, enhance your recovery between hard training sessions or support your diet to hit your daily protein target.
Primal Sports Nutrition produces a range of protein options to cater to various needs and preferences. This comprehensive guide unpacks each protein option to help you find the ideal product for your specific goals.
Whey protein
Whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process and is one of two protein sources derived from dairy. It is generally the most popular protein supplement available for several reason.
Whey is a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids – those your body cannot produce. This includes the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), with high levels of leucine, which supports the muscle-building (anabolic) process to support muscle repair and growth.
Whey is also highly bioavailable, which means your body can digest and absorb it rapidly. This ensures amino acids circulate through the body soon after ingesting a shake or smoothie to support the muscle repair process after training and helps shift the body from a state of catabolism (muscle breakdown) into an anabolic state.
Whey protein is typically produced in three forms:
- Concentrate (WPC)
- Isolate (WPI)
- Hydrolysate (WPH)
While each form is based on dairy-derived whey, they differ in processing levels, affecting their protein content, digestibility, and price.
Whey concentrate:
- The least processed option.
- Generally the most affordable option.
- Contains 70-80% protein with some lactose (milk sugar) and fats.
- Offers a more balanced nutritional profile with minerals and immune-boosting factors and bioactive compounds.
- May cause digestive issues for lactose intolerant individuals.
- Creamier texture and better taste due to the presence of lactose and some fats.
Whey isolate:
- Goes through an additional filtration process to remove fat and lactose, improving bioavailability.
- May improve digest comfort for anyone with lactose sensitivities due to lower lactose levels.
- Usually lower in bioactive compounds and protein sub-fractions like alpha lactoglobulins and lactoferrins, which are removed in the filtration process.
- Boasts a higher protein content, typically 85%.
- Less creamy texture and taste compared to WPC due to lower lactose and fat content.
- Typically more expensive than WPC.
Whey hydrolysate:
- Undergoes an additional processing step known as hydrolysis.
- The most processed and refined form of whey, delivering smaller peptides (partially pre-digested) for easier digestion and even higher bioavailability.
- Highest protein content of up to 90%.
- Ideal for those with severe lactose intolerance or digestive issues.
- Often has a bitter taste due to the breakdown of proteins.
- Typically the most expensive option due to the additional processing required.
Whey protein products typically contain a blend of two or more whey protein sources such whey isolate, concentrate and/or hydrolysate for a combination of fast, medium and slower-releasing protein sources. Primal Whey Protein contains a triple-action blend of whey protein isolate, concentrate and hydrolysate to assist with muscle repair and maintenance. Added Digezyme® provides a multi-enzyme complex to assist with better digestion and absorption.
Primal Whey Isolate has a naturally high biological value, with all nine EAAs and a rich BCAA content to assist with muscle tissue repair, growth and maintenance. Whey isolate is considered one of the most ideal protein sources to consume directly after exercise due to its high bioavailability.
Casein protein
Casein is the other common milk-derived protein. It breaks down and is absorbed more slowly than whey as it tends to clump in the digestive tract. This characteristic makes casein a popular product for use at night, when a sustained release of amino acids can help support the anabolic processes that occur during sleep.
This slower digestion rate also leaves you feeling full for longer, which makes it a common addition to meal-replacement or diet shakes.
Primal Casein Protein is the ideal product to use at night to support muscle growth and recovery.
The micellar casein included in Primal Casein Protein has the slowest rate of digestion and absorption among all protein supplements. Added L-glutamine supports muscle growth and accelerates recovery following intense training.
Plant proteins
For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet or anyone looking to avoid or reduce their animal protein intake due to intolerances, allergens or food sensitivities, plant-based protein powders offer an easy, convenient and effective alternative.
Plant protein supplements typically combine multiple plant-based sources to provide a complete amino acid profile that delivers all the EAAs and BCAAs your body needs. Sources from various sources, a blended plant-based protein powder can also contain various vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Primal Plant Based Protein contains a blend of pea protein isolate, rice protein concentrate, pumpkin seed protein, and chickpea protein to deliver a complete amino acid profile. This product is ideal for anyone with various dietary restrictions as it contains no lactose, gluten or wheat, with no added soy, soy protein or sugar.
Multi-source blends
Another product category combines animal and plant proteins to deliver a multi-source blended product that is typically more cost effective than single source or combined whey or plant options.
Blended products also offer additional benefits by providing a sustained amino acid release profile due to the differing digestion rates of the various sources. This characteristic makes it a multi-source blend an ideal option following exercise when multiple shakes are not consumed throughout the day.
Primal Blended Whey is formulated with whey protein isolate and concentrate, pea protein isolate, rice protein concentrate and calcium caseinate to provide a source of high biological value and slower-digesting proteins and a complete amino acid profile.
With so many protein options available, finding the perfect one for your goals may require some research and consideration. Visit the Primal Sports website or consult a qualified nutritionist to find the protein powder that will help you achieve peak performance!