“Protein spiking” is a common method some supplement companies use to put less protein than listed on the protein label
“Protein spiking” or nitrogen/amino spiking is a common method used by some supplement companies to put less protein than listed on the protein label and avoid being caught.
Every fitness individual out there loves protein powders. It’s a quick, convenient, and cost-effective way to reach your daily protein targets. Protein powders are also popular due to the high amino content, particular leucine – which is important for muscle building. But is it necessary beneficial to buy an all-in-one whey protein with added creatine and other none proteinogenic aminos oppose to a 100% whey protein?
How protein spiking works
Laboratories mostly test the nitrogen content of protein powders rather than the individual amounts of amino acids within the product. This creates a perfect opportunity for supplement companies to cheat the system. Amino acids are not all of equal value thus it can rob you of some of the ones critical for muscle building. Thus companies can add other nitrogenous, none proteinogenic acids that’s cheaper to the mix ie glycine & taurine.
How to check your protein powder quality
- Proprietary blends not indicating leucine content. Propriety blends are a great way for companies to hide the quality of the ingredients.
- Leucine content should be 11% of whey protein, thus a leucine content lower than 2.7g per 25g protein content should alarm you.
- Cost per 25g Protein is considerably cheaper than the competition. Whey is a raw material traded on the open market. You can thus pay too much, but never too little for it.
To get what they pay for, I generally advise my clients to stick to a 100% whey protein and look at the 3 points listed above. If you need additional supplements such as creatine, I would advise you to purchase this separately. Buy proper protein, it’s the “whey” to go.
