Course:FNH200/Projects/2024/Protein powder

Introduction

Protein powder is dietary supplement that is meant to be a convenient source of protein, needed for muscle repair and growth as well as overall health. From early food processing techniques that gave rise to them, the powders have changed significantly to include different types such as whey, casein, soy and pea proteins. Athletes, bodybuilders and people who are on specific diets commonly use these powders to boost their protein intake, build muscles and manage their weights. It has been documented that the advantages of protein supplementation range from an enhanced athletic performance to assisting in muscular recovery. In contrast, overconsumption, digestive issues, and possible long-term health concerns if not used appropriately remain a constant concern with the use of such products.

Nonetheless, the industry is also regulated so as to make sure its products are safe and correctly labelled. The present industry trends towards this direction feature new ideas about sources of protein nutrients and how they can be made more sustainable. This examination gives an insight into the science behind protein powders with regard to its processing methods, a balanced overview of merits/demerits as well as what influence their production and consumption.

Whey Protein Processing Methods

	Concentrate	Isolate	Hydrolysate
Processing	Low	Medium	High
Protein Concentration	Low	High	Highest
Lactose Concentration	High	Medium	Low
Amino Acid Concentration	Moderate	High	Highest
Price	$	$$	$$$

Concentrate

The first step towards the formation of isolated whey proteins involves whey filtration. This process utilizes microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration for it to achieve maximum processing. Microfiltration is used to mainly remove large particles such as fat globules, casein micelles and some of the lactose, and ultrafiltration is then used to remove additional lactose and minerals, further concentrating the protein.

Next, evaporation is used under reduced pressure and temperatures to concentrate the whey protein by removing water to prevent denaturation. Evaporation is largely used in whey processing methods to dispose of large quantities of whey.

Finally, spray drying is done in a hot air chamber for the water to evaporate allowing a fine, dry powder of isolated whey protein to be produced. 

With its elementary processing, whey concentrate is the cheapest to produce.

Isolate

A more thorough process of membrane filtration with additional micro- and ultrafiltration steps, and the inclusion of nanofiltration for refined filtration of smaller molecules like residue lactose and separated mineral ions and water salts, while retaining larger molecules, ensures effective removal of lactose.

The next step is ion exchange adsorption using whey proteins atmospheric features. The ion exchange occurs due to sweet whey holding a net negative charge as its pH holds a value of 5.5. The pH of the whey may be adjusted to optimize protein binding and separation. Sweet whey's net negative value allows for it to absorb the positively charged ions in order for the ion exchange to complete. This is where ion exchange chromatography is used to isolate whey proteins by allowing whey proteins to bind to charged resins based on their charge. The methodology involves the use of a stirred tank, a separator, which is utilized in almost all microbial fermentation. The whey is first eluted by washing with a solvent in order to absorb the whey protein. The lactose and minerals are then separated so the protein can be desorbed with acid or brine solutions. From here, there are many methods conducted for the processing of whey protein to isolate whey proteins. One method involves using Sepharose beads to absorb the whey protein which is eluted with a single buffer to separate α-lactalbumin, lactoperoxidase, and lactoferrin fractions.

Following is the α-/β-fraction separation based on the size exclusion chromatography. To separate the α-/β-fractions of whey, one process involves heating a membrane-concentrated whey to force aggregation within α-lactalbumin, which is then separated by centrifugation. Furthermore, microfiltration will be used to solubilize the α-fraction to remove phospholipids while the supernatant is recovered as β-fraction.

Similarly to concentrate, isolate undergoes evaporation and spray drying to finish the processing. With its finer filtration and separation of molecules, this results in a high-purity powder that can be digested for lactose-intolerant customers, such as infants.

Hydrolysate

Hydrolysate, being the most processed out of the three, undergoes all previous additions such as nanofiltration, ion exchange, and α-/β-fraction separation, with an additional enzymatic hydrolysis process where specific enzymes break down the protein into smaller peptides and amino acids. Taking it a step further than isolate, this improves digestibility and reduces potential allergenicity.

Spray drying is a crucial step for the integrity and functional properties of the hydrolyzed proteins.

Hydrolysate is considered the "predigested" form of whey protein, having already undergone partial hydrolysis to ease absorption without requiring as much digestion as other forms of whey protein. Due to its enhanced digestibility and reduced allergenic potential, hydrolysate is commonly utilized in medical protein supplements and infant formulas. However, the additional processing in manufacturing results in a higher price for consumers compared to isolate and concentrate.

Packaging Methods

Example of a traditional canister - Diesel Protein Powder.

The packaging of whey protein powder utilizes a variety of methods to meet consumer preferences for convenience, protection, and sustainability. Traditional can or jar containers are widely used due to their robustness and practicality. These containers typically come with leak-proof and airtight seals, ensuring the protein powder remains fresh and protected from contaminants. Their ease of use, attributed to features like simple open-close mechanisms, makes them frequently selected by consumers seeking a durable and reusable option that facilitates easy scooping. However, these containers have drawbacks, including difficulty in resealing and the tendency for powder to stick to the container's sides, which can cause frustration during use.

In response to growing demands for lightweight and cost-effective solutions, pouch or bag packaging has gained popularity. These flexible packages are often equipped with airtight seals and are designed to be stackable, conserving storage space. Their portability makes them an excellent choice for individuals who wish to carry their protein supplements on the go. Most pouches and bags are resealable, which extends the freshness of the protein powder. Nonetheless, they present challenges such as the potential for inaccurate measuring and risks of leakage if not sealed properly. Additionally, while pouches are generally more environmentally friendly due to their reduced material usage, they still pose challenges in terms of recyclability, contributing to waste if not properly disposed of.

Example of a compostable bag packaging - Plain Nutrition Protein Powder.

Example of a metal can packaging - Wellness Nutritin Protein Powder.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration, eco-friendly packaging options are being more widely adopted. These options often involve materials that are biodegradable or recyclable, such as certain plastics and cardboard, reducing the environmental impact of the packaging process. However, the production of biodegradable materials can sometimes be resource-intensive, which could offset some of the environmental benefits. Another innovative approach is the use of gusseted bags, which enhance stability and display efficiency while being cost-effective for shipping. These bags may include features like clear windows for visibility and zipper seals for convenience, although the incorporation of additional features could make them harder to recycle.

For a more premium presentation, some brands opt for metal canisters reminiscent of traditional coffee containers, which are effective in maintaining product freshness and have a traditional aesthetic. These canisters are highly durable and reusable, but they may not always align with modern sustainability goals due to the energy-intensive manufacturing process of metals. High-barrier flexible packaging, using materials that provide thermal and chemical shielding, is another method that protects the protein powder from moisture, light, and air, ensuring its integrity and extending its shelf life. However, such materials can be difficult to recycle due to their complex composition, posing additional environmental challenges.

Canadian Regulations for Protein Powder

In Canada, protein powder falls under the category of natural health products (NHP), which are "naturally occurring substances that are used to restore or maintain good health". As such, they are subject to stricter regulations and guidelines during the manufacturing, labelling and promoting process.

Example of an NPN on a protein powder for sale in Canada.

For example, all NHPs require an eight-digit Natural Product Number (NPN) that must be licensed and kept in good standing by the business. This allows the consumer to search up the product on the Government of Canada's Licensed Natural Health Products Database (LNHPD) to check for ingredients, license standing, and other health related information.

Until a recent 2022 amendment to the Food and Drugs Act, NHPs were not included as part of the Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act, which allows Health Canada to take unprecedented measures to force recalls and/or label changes to products that could cause serious harm to consumers. This legislative oversight was highlighted by Ganson et al. (2023) to provide recommendations to protect adolescents who could experience long-lasting consequences due to manufacturing defects.

Health Benefits and Risks

Whey protein has been associated with various health benefits. Whey protein is utilized by different communities within society for different purposes. The consumption of Whey protein is typically considered as part of a balanced diet. Thus it is advisable not to solely rely on it for nutrition. Whey protein is often utilized in sporting events due to its high protein intake. Whey protein has the highest protein efficiency ratio, biological value, net protein utilization, and Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score compared to other forms of proteins including beef, milk, wheat gluten, and more. Whey protein is referred to as being a “complete protein” as it contains all 9 essential amino acids, which makes it popular among bodybuilders and athletes. The high concentration of amino acids aids its ability in rapid digestion and absorption by the body. Furthermore, another benefit is the variety of types of Whey protein available. There are three types of Whey proteins discussed; concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate which are utilized for different groups of individuals depending on their preferences and needs. On the other hand, Whey protein is also important for the promotion of muscle growth. Over time, as the human body ages, muscle mass begins to decline, resulting in fat gain, however, high-quality protein components in food such as Whey can help reduce/slow the rate of this muscle decline. Whey is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), specifically Leucine, an amino acid that supports the growth of muscles. This helps prevent age-related muscle loss and to improve the strength of muscles. This being said, Whey protein cannot support age-related muscle loss completely as supplements may not significantly impact muscle loss unless the diet is severely lacking in protein. Furthermore, due to its high concentration of amino acids, Whey protein is therefore effective in repairing damaged muscle tissue. Finally, Whey protein may help individuals lose weight due to it being highly satiating. Of the three macronutrients in the food system, protein has been determined to be the far most filling, especially whey protein. Therefore, Whey protein may reduce overall calorie intake and help individuals lose weight. By consuming large amounts of Whey protein, individuals' appetites will be suppressed, their metabolism will be boosted and it helps maintain muscle mass when losing weight. Lastly, Whey protein contains bioactive proteins such as lactoferrin; an iron-binding protein. This enzyme has been observed to be linked to health benefits related to intestinal health, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activity.

Although Whey protein has been shown to process benefits for the human body, there are some health risks that come hand in hand with these benefits. The main risk is the ability of individuals to overconsume Whey protein. Although some of the short-term risks may seem negligible, over time these risks may become more concerning. Some of the short-term risks of Whey protein revolving around overconsumption lead to common body responses such as nausea, pain, bloating, cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, and more. Although these risks may seem minor, whey protein may lead to longer-term health-related issues. Other concerns related to consuming too much protein in general include liver and kidney issues or cardiovascular issues and more. Liver issues may occur due to proteins being stored in the liver. The more protein that needs to be wasted from the liver, the harder the kidney needs to work to get the waste. This stress on the kidneys can make them, therefore, wear out faster. Finally, cardiovascular issues may occur due to proteins containing added sugars and unhealthy fats which can lead to blocked arteries and increased LDL cholesterol, placing stress on the cardiovascular system. These protein powders overall tend to have a lot of calories and high sugar quantities to preserve the powder's taste. Whether the protein powder contains little or a lot of sugar ranges based on the manufacturers. Furthermore, some protein powders contain up to 1,200 calories, which overall results in rapid weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

A non-profit organization known as "The Clean Label Project" found that of the 134 products they screened, the majority of the protein powders were found to contain heavy metals, bisphenol-A (used to make plastic), pesticides, or other contaminants that link to cancer and other health conditions. Furthermore, they found a protein powder that contained 25 times the permitted BPA quantity. However, a study by Bandara et al. (2020) published in the Toxicology Report journal found that although heavy metals can be present in protein powder, it "does not pose an increased ... risk to human health". However, it should be noted that unlike the U.S. FDA, which "leaves it up to manufacturers to evaluate the safety and labeling of products", the recent amendments to Health Canada regulations, as previously discussed, allows the government to force manufacturers to uphold safety in the contents and labelling of protein powder products for its citizens.

It is important to know how these risks can be avoided. It should be highlighted that Whey protein is used as a supplement in a balanced diet but should not be a replacement for whole foods. Furthermore, always follow the recommended guidelines for the dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any existing health conditions or concerns.

Potential Test Questions

Q: Which of the following is a complete protein that contains all essential amino acids?

• Soy protein
• Whey protein
• Rice protein
• Pea protein

Answer: Whey protein is deemed highly effective for those who are trying to meet their daily amino acid intake as it contains all the necessary amino acids which are not secreted within the body.

Q: What are the pros of protein supplementation? (Select all that apply)

• Muscle repair
• Improved skin tone
• Enhanced muscle growth
• Increased cardiovascular endurance

Answer: Protein powder has not been linked directly to enhance skin texture or cardiovascular capabilities. However, it is a great aid for hypertrophy.

Q: Match the whey protein to its properties. (Drag and drop)

	Properties
Whey Concentrate	[Price: $] / [Least Processed] / [Lowest Protein Concentration] / [Highest Lactose Concentration]
Whey Isolate	[Price: $$] / [More Processed] / [High Protein Concentration] / [Medium Lactose Concentration]
Whey Hydrolysate	[Price: $$$] / [Highly Processed] / [Highest Protein Concentration] / [Lowest Lactose Concentration]

Answer: Learning the properties and qualities of the types of whey protein are important for the end-consumer to figure out which is suited best for their needs. For example, a student with high lactose-intolerance needs to buy whey hydrolysate even though it is the most expensive, because whey concentrate would not suit their diet for its low processing method resulting in a highest lactose concentration.