When you step into a health food store or a vitamin
shop, there is often an abundance of protein supplements to choose from and
sales people claiming they are “nutritionists” trying to sell you the best
liquid or powder protein products on the market....
Why is protein
important?
Proteins are a part of every cell, tissue and organ in
our bodies. These body proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced.
The body does not store protein for later use, therefore consuming adequate
high quality protein is necessary, otherwise the body will inevitably suffer.
When protein intake is not adequate, the body will break down lean body mass to
compensate for poor oral intake. Loss of lean body mass is inevitable for WLS
patients or individuals following a very low calorie diet. To minimize that
loss, sufficient high-quality protein must be consumed.
When should liquid or
powder protein supplements be used?
Most WLS patients rely strictly on liquids during the
early post-operative phase, and the majority of their calories consumed during
that time are often from protein supplements. Liquid or powder protein
supplements may also be used post-operatively when patients are unable to
consume adequate protein from food alone. This may be due to volume
restrictions or food intolerances to protein rich foods.
Is there a risk of
developing protein deficiency?
WLS patients, who have undergone the BPD/DS, are often
at a higher risk of developing protein malnutrition. However, all WLS patients,
despite the procedure, who do not comply with the recommended dietary
guidelines, are at risk.
What is the best
quality liquid or powder protein supplement?
Commercial protein supplements are available in many
flavors, textures, tastes, mix-ability and price; however, the product’s amino acid
composition is of the most importance when choosing protein supplements. Amino
acids are the building blocks of protein. There are nine indispensable
(essential) amino acids (IAA) and 11 dispensable (nonessential) amino acids
(DAA). The IAA must come from dietary intake because the body is incapable of
producing these compounds.
Also, it is important when choosing protein
supplements that they have a score of 100 on the protein digestibility
corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). This is a system that was developed as a
method to evaluate protein quality. PDCAAS scores of as close to 100 as
possible are desired to indicate that it contains the appropriate amount of IAA
that the body needs.
Protein supplements that are made from whey, casein,
soy and egg whites have a PDCAA score of 100. It is important to recognize that
many of these protein sources are sold as either concentrates or isolates.
Isolates
In general, isolates tend to have a higher
concentration of protein than concentrate forms. For whey protein isolates, the
filtration process removes a lot of the lactose, minerals and fat in the
product; therefore, these products have very little or no lactose and often
provide more protein in smaller volumes. These products may be beneficial to
those patients who have lactose intolerance. Also, isolates tend to have a
better mix ability and cleaner taste, therefore compliance is often better with
these products.
Concentrates
Whey protein concentrates have a lower concentration
of protein and higher concentration of lactose. Although the protein is of good
quality, the percentage of protein will vary. Consumers can always view the
nutrition label as well for accurate quantities of protein.
Many surgical weight-loss programs
recommend between 60-80 grams of protein per day for the vertical sleeve
gastrectomy (VSG) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The biliopancreatic
diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) requires approximately 90 grams of
protein per-day to accommodate for the malabsorption associated with this
procedure.
Protein supplements
and meal replacement shakes – they are different
It is important to also recognize that there is a
difference between protein supplements and meal replacement shakes (i.e.
Unjury® vs. SlimFast®). Many meal replacement supplements often have a blend of
soy, casein or whey protein to enhance the texture or taste of the product.
Meal replacement shakes also have higher amounts of vitamin and minerals and
varying amounts of carbohydrates and fiber.
One thing to consider is that meal replacement shakes
are often designed to supplement a diet that includes animal and plant sources
of protein. These should not be used as the sole source of protein or calories
in the diet for an extended period of time.
What protein supplements
should be avoided?
Collagen-based protein supplements are not a good
source of high-quality protein and should not be used as the sole source of
protein intake in WLS patients. Collagen-based protein supplements do not
contain all of the indispensable amino acids that the body needs. When
consuming collagen-based products as your sole source of protein, the loss of
lean body mass can occur despite meeting your daily protein goals.
Do WLS patients need
liquid or powder protein supplements for life?
As you begin to consume more food after surgery, the
need for protein supplementation often declines or ceases. Relying solely on
protein supplements to meet your protein needs is not recommended after the
early post-operative liquid stage. Foods of high biological value are
encouraged (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc.). WLS patients who cannot
meet their protein needs from food alone may benefit from supplementation of
high quality protein.
What are the dangers
of excessive protein intake?
If you are not well hydrated, excessive protein intake
may contribute to dehydration. It is also important to remember that additional
protein intake, above the recommended amount, may inhibit the consumption of
other important nutrients.
Another reason why eating protein is good for you… It
Prevents Emotional Eating!!
By having your Daily Protein intakes it helps you to
be satisfied and stay satisfied for longer periods of time...
