Ingredients of Month

What is protein?

Protein is an important part of our daily diet. It is found in just about every component of our bodies and is involved in nearly every function our bodies perform. Proteins are made of different combinations of amino acids, some of which we can create and some of which we must obtain from food (essential amino acids).

What benefits does protein have in the body?

Protein needs vary by age, body weight, and activity. Refer to our Protein Intake Calculator to determine the quantity that is best for you. Those on a plant-based diet should strive for at least an additional 10% more protein and should emphasize legume/bean-based sources to obtain adequate amounts of the essential amino acid lysine.

People begin to lose strength and muscle mass beginning in their 40’s. Both aging and inactivity are causes of muscle decline; intake of unhealthy or insufficient protein can accelerate the process. Early loss of muscle mass may occur without seriously compromising strength or performance (pre-sarcopenia); when muscle loss begins to affect strength and performance, it’s known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia can lead to decreased bone density, a decline in metabolism, postural decline, diminished balance and risk of falling. Because loss of muscle strength leads to frailty and is directly tied to mortality as well as need for long-term care, maintaining strength should be an important goal.

The good news is that both sarcopenia and its associated side effects are reversible; with adequate protein intake, 2 months of strength training can make up for 20 years of typical muscle loss! BUT, because protein is less well absorbed as people age, consumption of more protein is necessary to obtain adequate levels.  Beyond age 50, 25% more protein intake is needed to maintain muscle mass; 50% more is required for muscle building. If your goal is to increase muscle mass and tone, consider using Nutriex Proteins within 2 hours after exercise.

How do I best obtain protein?

While meat contains the largest quantity of protein in a serving, many other foods are good sources. A 3 ounce serving of meat provides about 20 grams of protein, an egg provides about 6 g, and a cup of either dairy or soy milk provides about 8 g. Most beans contain about 6-9 g in a half cup; the grain quinoa contains more. Nuts and seeds contain about 6 g of protein per ounce; vegetables and other grains provide 2-3 grams of protein per serving. Plant-based sources of protein are often less digestible.

Do Nutriex products contain protein? If so, how much?

Nutriex Proteins contains 25 grams of plant-based protein in a 2-scoop serving. Some people prefer to use 1 scoop (provides about 13 g protein) once or twice daily with oatmeal, smoothies, or mixed into milk or non-dairy beverages.

What is unique about the protein in Nutriex Proteins?

We combine 3 different sources of plant-based protein (pea, rice, and pumpkin seed) in our powder. This combination provides the full spectrum of amino acids, including substantial quantities of all of the essential ones. Because we add two protein-digesting enzymes, bromelain and papain, the plant proteins are more easily digested and absorbed. Four sources of fiber as well as flax seed powder provide balance to the protein. Nutriex Proteins contains no added sugars, sweeteners, flavors, or colors and can be substituted for up to 1/3 of the flour in baked goods.

Can Nutriex Proteins really benefit me?

Early this year, Nutriex conducted an informal survey of a group of older male Proteins users. After 3 months of regularly consuming 2 scoops per day, participants reported increased strength, balance, and coordination as well as an increased sense of well-being, even with very little change in inclination to exercise.

Disclaimer: Nutriex provided complimentary Proteins powder to participants in exchange for responding to a questionnaire prior to and after 3 months of usage.

What is iron?

Iron is a key component of red blood cells and enables them to carry oxygen throughout the body. It also provides oxygen for storage and use by our muscles through a protein called myoglobin.

What benefits does iron have in the body?

Iron’s most important role is in carrying oxygen throughout the body; as such, it provides us with the ability to perform both normal, daily routines as well as higher intensity exercise. It also allows transport of oxygen to the brain for focus, concentration, and memory. Due to iron’s involvement in numerous other processes, it also contributes to immune system health and aids in regulating body temperature.

How much do I need?

Needs vary based on age, gender, activity, and dietary choices. Recommended daily intake of iron is 8 mg for all men and for post-menopausal women; 18 mg for pre-menopausal women. 27 mg/day is recommended during pregnancy. Daily intake of up to 45 mg/day is safe for most people; typical intake is 10-20 mg/day.

In the US, about 8% of adults obtain less than recommended. Prolonged iron deficiency leads to anemia, which occurs in about 5% of women and 2% of men. Athletes, vegetarians, and vegans need more iron than the general population, but for different reasons. Both competitive and recreational athletes lose iron through perspiration; those who exercise at high levels of intensity, especially endurance runners, lose iron through faster red blood cell breakdown. Vegetarians and vegans require more iron because plant-based sources are only about half as well absorbed as those from meat.

How do I best obtain iron?

Iron comes in two forms: heme- and non-heme iron. Heme iron comes from hemoglobin and is found in animal-based foods; this form is much more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme or plant-based iron. High sources of heme iron include liver, oysters, mussels, sardines, and beef. Foods like chicken, turkey, and pork provide lesser quantities but are still well absorbed.  Non-heme iron sources come from plants and are about half as well absorbed as meat-based sources. Tofu, beans, fortified cereals, dried apricots, nuts, and seeds contain the highest levels of non-heme iron. Dietary supplements are another way to increase your intake of iron.

Do your products contain iron? If so, how much?

Yes, Nutriex Sport, Health, and Basic37 all contain 6 mg of iron in a full serving (9 capsules of Sport, 7 capsules of Health, 2 capsules of Basic37). We chose the 6 mg quantity to get the average person at or slightly above their daily requirement without exceeding a safe level for men or older women.

What is unique about the iron in Nutriex products?

Nutriex products contain a patented, chelated form of iron called Ferrochel ferrous bisglycinate chelate. Simply put, this chelated form of iron is electrically neutral (carrying neither a positive nor negative charge), which not only makes it stable, but also keeps it from binding to other nutrients and enables good absorption. It is gentle on the digestive system and does not cause GI irritation or constipation unlike many other iron supplements.

Is it safe for me to take supplemental iron?

The amount of iron in Nutriex products is safe for nearly everyone, men and post-menopausal women included.  Because our bodies have a special mechanism to self-regulate the amount of iron that is absorbed (via production of a hormone called hepcidin), we automatically absorb more when we need it and less when we don’t. Those with hemochromatosis, an inherited condition that typically affects non-Hispanic whites, lack this ability to regulate iron absorption; a small subgroup with this condition can accumulate excess stores of iron that can lead to liver and heart damage or diabetes. This group should NOT supplement with high levels of iron and should work with their physician to monitor their iron status. People with documented low blood iron levels or anemia should consider short-term additional iron intake, whether from food or supplements.