Aloha Surgery Blog

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Types of Protein Supplements & What Weight Loss Patients Should Be Consuming

There are many different sources of protein supplements. Here is a look at the different sources, and which ones are available at Aloha Surgery.

Types of protein supplements:

1. Soy: plant derived, heat stable, good protein source for vegetarians, contains many bioactive compounds, less protein availability. 

2. Whey: milk derived, well absorbed, antioxidant properties

  • Concentrate: contains lactose, possibly allergenic, contains  many bioacitve compounds
  • Isolate: concentrate that has been purified, more easily digested and higher protein amount than concentrate, more expensive, low allergy potential
  • Hydrosylate: small peptides that absorb quickly, more expensive, low allergy potential, tastes bad

3. Casein: milk derived

  • Intact (caseinate or micellar): digest slowly, cheaper, mixes well, less protein availability

4. Wheat gluten hydrosylate: “glutamine peptides”: often used in a mix of other proteins

5. Collagen: inexpensive, should be used in conjunction with other protein supplements due to missing an essential amino acid

Definitions:

  • Concentrate: isolated product
  • Isolate: purified concentrate
  • Hydrosylate: predigested, enzyme treated

One way we measure protein quality is using the Protein Digestability Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). Adopted by the United States Food & Drug Administration in 1993, this is the preferred test to measure protein quality. The test reports on levels of digestability and essential amino acid content. A PDCAAS level of 1 is considered the highest, and 0 is the lowest. Soy protein scores a 1.00, while peanuts score 0.52 on the scale.

Pearls:

  • A protein supplement is recommended for post bariatric surgery patients.
  • Use whole unprocessed foods for protein sources as one’s diet tolerates.
  • Not all protein supplements are equal in quality.
  • Most protein supplement labels are often inaccurate due to alterations in protein availability by processing, additives and chemical modifications.
Aloha Surgery office, located in Downtown Honolulu,  carries several protein supplements: Unjury, Fusion, NutriMed, and Healthwise. They come in a variety of flavors and in single servings and tubs. The amount per serving ranges from 10 to 30 grams of protein.
The recommended amount of protein intake is dependent on you dietician’s recommendation, but most people take one protein supplement per day, such as a breakfast protein shake or protein bar snack.
Come by the office to pick up your protein or call Megan at (808) 521-1300 to place an order.

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