All About Protein
Protein. We all know it is important, but why? What makes this critical nutrient so important that all life here on Earth depends on it – from eukaryotic bacteria 3.5 billion years ago to life as we know it today?
Protein is literally the currency of life here on Earth. Much like cash can be used to purchase just about anything you want, protein is used to support your body in just about any way you can imagine.
Most people are aware that protein is essential for muscle repair, growth and maintenance, but did you know that it is also critical to your daily energy levels, mental performance, positive mood balance and general feelings of well being? Everything from brain chemistry and immune system function, to healthy skin, nails and hair, and even proper bone formation; the cells that compose blood and all our internal organs, connective tissue and even the fluid that lubricates our joints – all require adequate daily supplies of protein to function properly.
And not just any protein will do. All proteins are not created for the purpose of human nutrition. High quality protein for humans would ideally be easily and highly absorbable and contain an amino acid profile similar to that of our own bodies.
If there is insufficient dietary protein, these systems will compete for what is available creating a lack in some systems. If short supply continues our bodies will break down and use our own tissue stores in a catabolic process we call muscle wasting. One sure way to prevent this competition from occurring is to have ample high quality protein available at all times.
Consider this – depending on the health of our digestive track, stress and fitness levels, only a portion of the whole proteins (chicken, eggs, steak, dairy, fish, etc) we consume on a daily basis are actually absorbed and taken up into our cells. The balance is moved out as waste. This is because all the protein found in whole foods as well as most protein supplements requires significant digestion before it can be absorbed throughout the body.
Hydrolyzed Protein Delivers Higher Absorption
How can we absorb more of the protein we consume? Let’s use a simple analogy to illustrate the answer. Imagine a basketball (whole protein molecule) and a chain link fence (barrier to absorption). There is no way to fit the basketball through the holes in the fence – it is simply too large and bulky to pass through. Now imagine that instead of a basketball, we had a handful of marbles (highly hydrolyzed protein molecules). The marbles are able to fit through the holes in the fence and pass to the other side without any further significant reduction in size. This simple analogy demonstrates the digestion that must be done to break down (hydrolyze) whole proteins into a significantly smaller size so that absorption can occur.
Now imagine if there were a product that contained the molecular-sized marbles that were ready to be absorbed into the blood. Enter Proto Whey! Proto Whey is a unique form of protein designed for quick and complete absorption. In fact, it is so nutritionally superior that it is commonly given to individuals with chronic debilitating diseases, and others with increased protein needs such as professional athletes, weekend warriors, dieters and any person looking to fortify their daily protein needs. It is the only 100% pure and highly hydrolyzed whey protein in the market, guaranteed to provide your body with superior nutritional value over other protein supplements.
History
BNRG’s roots are closely intertwined with the life and career of its founder, Kevin Lawrence. In 1991, after a storied bodybuilding career, Kevin founded BioNutritional Research Group to research and develop protein substrates based on the same formula that had cured his son and to incorporate them into new bioengineered foods. Over the next five years he successfully formulated and tested the first commercial version of Proto Whey® protein, the flagship of a new line of nutritional supplements introduced to the market in 1998. Following the success of Proto Whey, Power Crunch® was developed with Kevin's recognition that there was a need for a better-tasting nutritional bar product that would please consumers of all ages. Power Crunch® is sold in health clubs, health food, grocery, drug, club and convenience stores over the US and thirteen countries internationally.
Over a decade and a half later, BNRG continues to be a success story extending the Power Crunch line with the unique Power Crunch Choklat® and adding critical energy and recovery products Alpha Glutamine® and Cell Charge®. As consumers become more aware of the critical role of protein in health, fitness and well being, and as they learn more about BNRG’s role in providing these important di and tripeptide protein products, BNRG’s growth will continue at its impressive pace.
Discovery and Formulation of Proto Whey
The protein formula developed by Kevin Lawrence in 1991 is the basis of BNRG’s proprietary di and tripeptide product containing 100% pure high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein.
Shortly after his birth in 1991, Kevin’s son developed a serious case of infantile colitis. Due to post-cesarean complications with his mother, he was not able to nurse normally and was getting all of his nutrition from infant formulas. For several weeks his health continued to decline and his parents became increasingly concerned that his early development would be compromised.
As his son’s condition dragged on, Kevin decided to get involved. “That sparked the beginning of intense research involving protein chemists, PhDs and MDs to whom I am eternally grateful," remarks Kevin.
Kevin and friends theorized that it was not a lactose or dairy intolerance that was affecting his colon. Nor was it some sort of allergic reaction. They believed the condition could very likely be caused by the naturally large, hard-to-digest protein molecules (peptides) in the infant formulas rather than the protein source or its accompanying ingredients. With the exception of only one brand, all the proteins in infant formulas at that time were whole proteins. When these large peptides are introduced into a new and extremely immature infantile intestinal tract digestive problems can and often due occur, including painful, gas-induced colic.The answer seemed obvious: feed Khalen a formula that has peptides that are already reduced in size – or hydrolyzed. Unfortunately, this was anything but easy to accomplish. The only available infant formula that claimed to contain hydrolyzed protein was six times the cost of any other product.
Additionally, further research showed that it was hydrolyzed to such a low degree (“Low-DH” as most other so-called “hydrolysates” on the market today) that in reality it represented only a marginal change over other products. But even this marginal change made a discernable improvement in the condition.
Now Kevin turned to commercial suppliers of raw proteins for help with the idea of creating his own high-DH formula to feed his son. Fortunately he was able to obtain some high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein powder samples that were not yet in commercial production. Kevin mixed these powders with the other special components necessary to maintain the proper caloric and nutritional needs of newborns and fed this new formula to his son.
After 48 hours, the battle was over. His son’s situation completely reversed in 2 days and the colic and diarrhea disappeared. The painful condition he had lived with almost from birth was gone. He never suffered from it again. That formula became the basis for the development of Proto Whey, BNRG’s proprietary di and tripeptide protein product. Kevin’s experience and new insights into protein absorption created the drive into further research and product development based on this remarkable effective form of protein.
Today, BNRG, Proto Whey and Power Crunch all owe their existence to Kevin and his son, whose journey helped forge a new understanding and application of high-DH hydrolyzed protein that has improved the health, performance and wellness of millions around the globe.
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