Proteins are large, complex molecules that play an immense array of roles within the human body. Whilst scientific debate continues on this point, it’s estimated that the body contains anywhere between 20,000 to 100,000 different proteins. That’s perhaps not surprising when you consider that protein is found throughout the body from muscle and bone to skin, hair and virtually every other organ or tissue. 

Proteins serve a variety of functions, from forming cells, acting as biochemical catalysts, hormones and enzymes and more. Proteins are essential to the proper functioning and maintenance of your body.

Proteins themselves are made up of 20 types of amino acids, with each protein molecule being made up of long chains of these amino acids. 

Whilst the body can make many of these amino acids internally (endogenously), some must be sourced exogenously (from outside the body). These are the nine ‘essential’ amino acids. 

An easy and convenient way to obtain these essential amino acids is by consuming protein-rich foods - think eggs, certain nuts, chicken, cheese, milk, lean beef, and fish (amongst other sources). 

However, for many people - especially those engaged in intense workouts on a regular basis - it can be difficult to obtain sufficient protein from their diet - which is where protein powders come in.

What types of protein powders are there? 

Shop around for protein (be it online or in retail outlets) and you’ll quickly see that there are a number of different types of protein powders available. 

These include: 

  • Whey Protein.
  • Whey Isolate.
  • Whey Concentrate.
  • Casein.
  • Vegan/Lactose Free Protein.
  • Protein Blends.

Each of these types of protein has distinct characteristics, however they can be loosely characterised based on their lactose and fat content. The more ‘concentrated’ a whey protein powder, the higher its protein content will be compared to its lactose and fat content. Therefore, Whey Isolate will have a lower lactose and fat content than Whey Protein. Likewise, Whey Concentrate will have a lower lactose and fat content than Whey Isolate.

Another popular protein powder you’ll encounter is ‘Casein Powder’. Like Whey, Casein is derived from cow’s milk. 

Like Whey, Casein is also nutritionally ‘complete’ containing all the essential amino acids your body requires. 

The key difference between Whey Protein Powders and Casein Powders is the time your body takes to break them down. According to one study (Dangin et al., 2002), Casein protein can result in elevated amino acid levels in the bloodstream for up to four to five hours. In contrast, Whey protein can result in elevated amino acid levels in the bloodstream for only 90 minutes. 

In other words, Casein can provide your body with a longer, slower release of amino acids. This makes Casein supplements ideal for consumption prior to fasting scenarios such as sleep.

Aside from Whey and Casein, another increasingly popular form of protein is Vegan/Lactose protein powders. As their name suggests, these are protein powders that are made from plant-only sources of protein. Whilst many plant protein powders are not nutritionally complete (they typically lack the BCAAs that many people want in a protein powder) a new generation of plant protein powders are coming to market that are complete.

The Supplement Needs Protein Powder range

If you’re looking to add extra protein to your diet, then consider the wide range of protein powders available here at Supplement Needs. 

Our range includes our own incredibly popular Supplement Needs Protein Fusion+, Whey ISO+, and Vegan ISO+ protein powders, as well as powders from other leading brands. 

These powders include Strom Sports’ VelosiWhey ISO (a pure whey isolate), Conteh Sports True Whey (a whey protein concentrate).

Should you want to combine different protein sources within a single blend, then you should explore our selection of protein blends.

For those who are looking to quickly add mass, you’ll also find a series of mass gainers including Strom Sports’ Meal Max, Reflex Nutrition’s Mass Heavyweight gainer. 

And, if you’re looking to top up your protein on the go, we’re also stockists of a range of quality, tasty protein bars. 

If you want protein, you’ll want Supplement Needs

We aim to be the first and last stop for your protein requirements online. Not only do we stock our proprietary protein supplements developed by Dr. Dean St Mart PhD, but protein powders from other leading brands including Strom Sports, Conteh Sports and many more. 

Order today, and you’ll benefit from our renowned rapid delivery (with next working day and Saturday delivery available). 

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