Protein shakes preferred for building muscles and strength

Multi-component protein

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What makes up multi-component protein?
High quality multi-component protein usually consists of the following components:

• Whey protein (whey isolate, whey hydrolysate, whey concentrate)
• Milk protein (calcium caseinate, micellar casein)
• Chicken egg protein

Three or four sources are usually mixed into one product to increase the biological value of the multi-component protein. The biological value refers to the amount of a protein that the human body can use. The higher this is, the better the body is able to absorb and use the protein. The combination improves the biological value because the individual protein components have a different amino acid profile. In addition to whey, milk and egg protein, soy protein and soy isolate are also sometimes used as components.

Multi-component protein as a sports supplement
Multi-component protein is an ideal nutritional supplement for athletes thanks to the different properties of the individual protein sources. One of these is whey protein, which digests particularly quickly and has an anabolic effect. The amino acid level in the blood reaches its maximum around half an hour after you consume a whey protein shake. This means that the muscles are supplied with amino acids as quickly as possible after training. The included milk protein, in contrast, is available very slowly, is used continually and has an anti-catabolic effect. The amino acid level in the blood only reaches its maximum around four hours after you consume a casein shake. This supplies the body with protein over an extended period and protects against muscle breakdown. The amino acid profile of a multi-component protein is completed by hen egg protein. It is absorbed by the body just as well as whey protein and stimulates muscle growth.

Features of multi-component protein
As the name suggests, a multi-component protein consists of several different protein sources. It is also known as the all-rounder of protein powders, because it combines all the advantages of the different protein sources. Multi-component proteins are used by many amateurs and by top athletes, to supply the body with sufficient protein and amino acids. Multi-component proteins have a high biological value and mainly have a very good amino acid balance due to their different protein sources.

They are digested by the body rather slowly compared to the quickly available whey protein, which means they also make an ideal meal replacement. If you're on the go a lot and have no time to eat, then a multi-component shake is a great alternative to ensure a supply of protein and amino acids over an extended period. Multi-component proteins usually contain 3-7 different protein sources, which are both quick and slow to digest.

The most popular sources of multi-component proteins

Whey protein isolate
Whey protein isolate is filtered several times during production, which makes it one the highest quality proteins with a protein content of over 90 %. The high content of BCAA amino acids is especially advantageous for weightlifters and bodybuilders, because these are indispensable for muscle growth.

Whey protein isolate is one of the fast-digesting proteins and, thus, is available to the body as quickly as possible.

Whey protein concentrate
Whey protein concentrate has similar properties to whey isolate. It is fast-acting and rich in BCAAs The protein content of whey protein concentrate is around 80 % and is, thus, somewhat lower than that of the isolate. This is noticeable in the quality but also in the price. Many products are combinations of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate.

Soy protein
Soy protein, despite is vegetable origins, is a really high quality protein with a high protein content. It is obtained from soybeans and is a great alternative to animal protein thanks to its excellent properties. Vegetarians especially like to take soy protein. It is also contains no lactose and, as a result, is frequently used by people with lactose intolerance.

Egg protein
Egg protein is also known under the name egg albumin. The particular advantage of egg protein is that, in contrast to other proteins, you avoid water retention. This is why bodybuilders and weightlifters like to use egg protein during a diet. Egg protein is digested so quickly compared to whey protein and has a protein content of approx. 80 %.

Casein protein
Casein protein, also called milk protein, is obtained during cheese production. It is popular in diet phases or as a night-time protein because it digests so slowly. It provides an optimum supply of amino acids over several hours due to this slow absorption into the body. It is also popular as a meal replacement due to its long satiation effect.