Information of Protein Powder.

Do You Need Protein Powders?

If you go to a gym, you've probably heard the guys by the weight machines talking about the protein shakes they drink after a workout and what kind of shake they prefer. Protein powders- made into a shake or consumed however you like - are getting more and more popular as a nutritional supplement.

You can buy protein powders in every nutrition store and all over the internet.You can even find pre-mixed, ready-to-drink protein shakes in many stores. But are protein powders just for bodybuilders, or can the average everyday athlete benefit from them as well?

What Are Protein Powders?

Protein powders come in various forms. The three common ones are whey, soy, and casein protein. "Whey is the most commonly used, because it's a water-soluble milk protein," says Peter Horvath, PhD, associate professor in the department of exercise and nutrition sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. "It's also a complete protein, so it's got all those advantages." ( Complete proteins contain all nine of the amino acids necessary for human dietary needs.)

People who are vegan may prefer soy protein, although Horvath notes that it's taste is sometimes considered to be more unpleasant, and it doesn't dissolve as well in water.

Protein powders also come with widely varying price tags. "For the casual athlete who doesn't have a specific need at s certain time of their training, the cost is not that important ," says Horvath. "So if you're going to use them, you can get pretty much the same benefit out of the less expensive, more commercially available proteins.

In very specific circumstances, protein powders can be useful. "The're an easy and convenient source of complete, high-quality protein, "says Carole Conn, PhD, associate professor of nutrition at the University of New Mexico. But remember: Most people, even athletes, can also get everything they offer by eating sources of lean protein like meat, fish, chicken and dairy products.

So when might you want to use them? There are a few reasons why an ordinary athlete might want more protein in his or her dite, says Barbara Lewin, a dietitian and sports nutritionist who has worked with NFL, NBA, & NHL athletes and trained Ironman competitors: 

- When you're growing.

A teenager needs more protein to fuel their workouts because their body is still growing and uses more protein in general.

-When you're starting a program.

If working out is new to you and you're trying to build muscle, you'll require more protein than you normally would.

-When you're amping up your workouts.

If you normally work out for half an hour a few times a week, but now you've decide to train for a half-marathon, your body will need more protein

-When you're recovering from an injury.

Athletes with sports injuries frequently need more protein to help them heal.

- If you're going vegan.

People who pursue a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle eliminate a number of common protein sources from their diet, including meat, chicken, and fish, and sometimes dairy and eggs as well.

"All of those are valid reasons for trying to get more protein into your diet, and protein powders are one way to do that," says Lewin.

But there's a big caveat, Lewin adds: it doesn't take that much protein to achieve those goals. Most Americans already get about 15% of their daily calories in protein. To build a pound of muscel, Lewin explains, the body needs between 10 and 14 additional grams of protein per day.

"That's not really that much. Some of these powders have 80 grams of protein per serving. You don't need that. All your body is going to do is break it down for energy. And too much protein can be hard on your kindeys and your liver."

Protein Math

So how can you tell if you're already getting enough protein? Do the math.

The following daily recommendations some from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Academy of Nutrition amd Dietetics:

- The average adult needs 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

- Those taking part in recreational athletics need 1.1 to 1.4 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight.

- Competitive athletes need 1.2 to 1.4 grams, and those involved in ultra-endurance sports may need up to 2.0 g per kilogram of weight.

-Athletes building muscle mass need 1.5 to 2.0 grams per kilogram per day.

Say you're an adult athlete who wants to build muscle mass, and you weigh about 75 kilograms. The most protein you would need per day is 150 grams. That sounds like a lot. But one 4-ounces of tuna has 40 grams, and a single ounce of cheddar cheese has 7 grams.

A Note About Teenage Athletes

Protein is important for young athletes too. Recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for teenagers are based on pounds of bodyweight rather than kilograms

The average teen needs 0.4 to 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day. Teenage athletes, according to the Academy, need more 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound per day.

The Academy cautions, though, against teens using protein supplements. Excessive protein can be hard on the kidneys. It also can acintribute to dehydration. To avoid those risks make sure your teen gets their protein from high protein foods in their daily diet.

How to use protein powders

If you calculate your protein intake and determine that you're not getting enough for your athletic needs ( some signs of too-low protein intake: you're unusually fatigued, feel weak when lifting weights or doing other strenuous activity, or are recovering from injuries slowly ) how can you best use protein powders to help you improve your performance?

First, ignore the conventional wisdom which says to take protein powders immediately after a workout. "Before, during, and after a workout, carbe are what your body needs. They're what your body uses for fuel, and what your muscles run on," says Lewin. "Yes, protein is also important for recovery after a workout, but research shows that at that point, the body needs fuel with a 4-1 or 5-1 ratio of carbs to protein." Since most protein powders have at least 20 grams of protein per scoop, you'd need about 80 grams of carbs to go with that scoop to get the proper proper proportion of nutrients!

For a better "recovery drink" after a workout, Lewin recommends a fruti smoothie with yogurt or milk, or, surprisingly chocolate milk. "A glass of chocolate milk is one of the best things for recovery," she says.

So when should you use protein powders, if you've determined you need them to get more protein in your diet? Throughout the day as a snack ar meal replacement, says Lewin, but not in the immediate time period surrounding your workouts.

And don't forget, says Conn:

"Protein powders are not really necessary if you have access to normal, healthy diet."