Whey Protein

What is whey protein?

Whey protein comes from milk, usually as a by-product of the cheese-making process.  When making cheese, the liquid component of milk – whey – is separated from the curds that form cheese. While long ago it was discarded, the liquid is now filtered and dried to make whey protein.

What benefits does whey protein have in the body?

Benefits of whey protein abound – it can increase muscle mass, balance blood sugar, and aid in weight loss. Likely the biggest advantage of whey, however, is the high relative content of the BCAAs leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs, also known as branched chain amino acids, are building blocks of protein that the body can’t produce on its own and must obtain from food.

The above reasons are why we previously included whey protein in our Proteins powder.

Do I need whey protein?

To be direct and to the point – no. Carefully blended combinations of plant-based proteins can provide all the same benefits of whey protein, including providing a good source of BCAAs.

Do Nutriex products contain whey protein? If not, why?

Nutriex Proteins hasn’t contained whey protein since 2018. We moved away from whey protein for many reasons:

  • to provide a product compatible with the growing number of people who have sensitivities, intolerances, or allergies to dairy, including whey
  • to appeal to many of our customers who wanted a vegetarian or vegan protein option
  • to embrace environmental benefits of reduced utilization of land and water resources and fewer waste byproducts

…and because moving away from whey and to a fully plant-based protein provides a product with:

  • increased levels of naturally-present beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • higher fiber levels than animal-based proteins
  • a balance of all the amino acids, including BCAAs and other essential amino acids that the body can’t produce
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. In fact, based on a report by the Joint WHO/FAO/UNU Expert Consultation, the essential amino acids content of Nutriex Proteins almost perfectly parallels the protein and amino acid requirements for humans.

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.

Magnesium

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral, meaning that the body can’t make its own. It is one of the most plentiful minerals in the body and plays diverse roles throughout.  About half of our stores of magnesium are found in bone – for bone synthesis and remodeling – and the other half is distributed throughout muscle and soft tissue – to enable muscle to relax after contractions and to facilitate more than 300 reactions within cells. Less than 1% is in the blood.

What benefits does magnesium have in the body?

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of functions and processes in the body, including controlling muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, heart function, and vitamin D levels, supporting healthy hormone levels and bone remodeling, and even balancing mood and sleep cycles.

How much magnesium do I need?

The recommended daily value for magnesium is different for men (400 – 420 mg) and women (310 – 320 mg). Though few Americans are outright deficient in magnesium, the average consumption is about 100 mg less than recommended per day. Adequate intake of magnesium provides cardiovascular, cognitive, blood pressure, bone, and glucose-regulation benefits.

Testing to evaluate if you have optimal magnesium levels is impractical. Simple blood tests reflect blood levels that are typically well-regulated and are NOT a good indication of whether the bone and muscle tissue possess optimal reserves. More specific testing is costly, time-consuming, and often only performed in a research environment.

Given the typical shortfall of 100 mg a day, supplementation of up to 350 mg/day is recommended. Beyond that level, people can begin to experience adverse effects like diarrhea because excess magnesium can have laxative tendencies.

How do I best obtain magnesium?

Magnesium is abundant in food; the best sources are nuts and seeds (70-150 mg/oz), though beans, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and dark chocolate all supply levels in the 50 mg/serving range.

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

Nutriex Sport and Health contain 275 and 250 mg of magnesium, respectively, in a full serving (9 capsules of Sport, 7 of Health). Basic37 contains 50 mg in a 2 capsule serving. Nutriex Proteins powder contains 75 mg of naturally-occurring magnesium per scoop, primarily from the pumpkin seed protein component.

What is unique about the magnesium in Nutriex products?

We made a conscious decision to use magnesium oxide in our Sport, Health, and Basic37 products because it is more concentrated in this form than any other;  we’re able to include more than triple the quantity! Though the magnesium oxide form is thought to be less well absorbed than other forms, because of the challenges in testing for magnesium, results are conflicting and not straightforward. We do know that even with lower absorption, benefits from magnesium oxide are well documented in published research studies.

Protein

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.

Iron

Iron is a well-known mineral associated with strength, energy, and immunity. Though most Americans get adequate amounts of this nutrient, iron deficiency is the most widespread nutrient deficiency in the world – affecting 30% of the population!

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.

Coenzyme Q10

What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that works throughout the body. In addition to its antioxidant capabilities, CoQ10 plays an important role in converting food into energy. Originally called ubiquinone because it is ubiquitous (seems to be everywhere) in nature, all animals, including humans, are capable of making CoQ10.

What benefits does CoQ10 have in the body?

The most important benefit of CoQ10 is as an antioxidant, which means it protects cells throughout the body from waste products called free radicals by “neutralizing” them. CoQ10 also plays a key role in healthy heart and blood vessel function – two key components of the cardiovascular system. Very importantly, CoQ10 helps to recycle both Vitamin C and Vitamin E, allowing them to be utilized by the body over and over again.

How much do I need?

Because our bodies naturally produce Coenzyme Q10, outright deficiency is extremely rare. As such, there is technically no recommended intake for this nutrient. Because production decreases as we age, beginning at around age 40, supplementing with CoQ10 allows more to circulate throughout the body for use by the organs and as an antioxidant to promote healthy aging.

How do I best obtain Coenzyme Q10?

Some foods contain small quantities of CoQ10. Meats are the best food sources of CoQ10, though it is also present in oils, nuts, and to a lesser extent, in vegetables and fruits. Typical intake from food is only 3-6 mg/day. Supplementation is the best way to obtain larger quantities.

Do your products contain Coenzyme Q10?  If so, how much?

Yes, Nutriex Sport, Health, and Basic37 contain 50 mg, 40 mg, and 20 mg of CoQ10, respectively, in a full serving (9 capsules of Sport, 7 capsules of Health, 2 capsules of Basic37).

What is unique about the CoQ10 in Nutriex products?

CoQ10 is best absorbed when consumed at the same time as fat, so it should be consumed with a meal. Nutriex products are unique because they already contain fat (in the form of flaxseed oil), so you can take them with or without food and still obtain the benefit of being able to absorb the fat-soluble nutrients. CoQ10 may be even better absorbed with more fat than is present in the vitamins themselves, so consider taking them with a meal if maximal absorption of CoQ10 is important to you.

Vitamin D

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works throughout the body and is involved in countless roles involving the immune system, bone health, heart health, and normal cellular growth.

What is the effect of Vitamin D on COVID-19 and other illnesses?

First off, vitamin D does not prevent COVID-19.  But we do know that people who are deficient in it are 1) more likely to test positive for COVID-19, 2) experience severe illness from COVID-19, and 3) more likely to experience an increased severity of other respiratory illnesses.

How much do I need?

Experts recommend total serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels of 30-50 ng/mL from a blood test. Higher levels can be beneficial in certain situations, though levels above 50 ng/mL can have a negative impact on some individuals. If you are already in the 30-50 ng/mL range, you can likely maintain it by supplementing with 20-50 mcg (800 – 2000 IU) of vitamin D3. Higher daily quantities (125-250 mcg or 5-10,000 IU) are generally safe but not necessarily beneficial for most people.

Which form of Vitamin D is best? How do I best obtain it?

Vitamin D3 supplements are the most reliable source. Vitamin D can be obtained from food and is highest in fatty fish (hence the beneficial reputation of cod liver oil) and in smaller amounts from mushrooms, meats, and eggs. Milk is fortified with it at levels of 2.5 mcg or 100 IU per cup; most plant-based milks are fortified as well. Humans naturally produce Vitamin D when their skin is exposed to UV-B light from the sun, but production varies substantially by season (summer much higher than winter), skin color, latitude (northern locales yielding less), age, and sunscreen use and is not a reliable way to get adequate amounts.

Does Nutriex contain Vitamin D? If so, how much?

Yes, Nutriex Sport, Health, and Basic37 all contain 25 mcg (1,000 IU) of Vitamin D3 in a full serving (9 capsules of Sport, 7 capsules of Health, 2 capsules of Basic37.)

What is unique about the Vitamin D in Nutriex products?

Vitamin D is best absorbed when consumed at the same time as fat, so it is recommended to be consumed with a meal. Nutriex products are unique because they already contain fat (in the form of flaxseed oil), so you can take them with or without food and still obtain the benefit of being able to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D.

Turmeric

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the turmeric plant. There are components in turmeric called curcuminoids that produce not only the bright orange color, but are also powerful antiinflammatories and antioxidants. They as well as the essential oils naturally present in turmeric are the components thought to provide turmeric’s health benefits related to digestion, joints, mood, skin, and tolerance to seasonal pollens.

Do Nutriex products contain turmeric or curcumin?

Yes, Nutriex Sport, Health, and Basic37 all contain curcumin from turmeric. We include 25 mg in Sport and Health; half that in Basic37. The source of turmeric we use is extremely well absorbed (see below), so you obtain the same benefits you would receive if you took 7 times that amount of a standard turmeric supplement.

What is unique about the turmeric in Nutriex products?

We use a source of turmeric called BCM-95, a 100% turmeric product without other additives. It is concentrated as a 95% curcuminoids complex (86% curcuminoids and 9% essential oils). This unique combination provides both high levels of curcuminoids as well as essential oils including turmerone, to provide benefits from a spectrum of nutrients rather than just one active ingredient. It’s been clinically studied to be absorbed at least 7 times more efficiently than standard forms of turmeric. BCM-95 circulates in the blood and is available for use for a full 8-9 hours after consumption, unlike other products that clear the body in 1-2 hours.

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