Not all protein supplements created equal—ingredients key by KC Jones, feature editor

    Protein is as vital to human life as water and oxygen because it is the very material from which we are made. Protein is a basic substance in every living cell even though most people only recognize it in the form of muscle, skin, hair and nails.

   Protein is also the principal component of blood, heart, brain, nerves, tendons, hormones and enzymes. Hormones and enzymes regulate metabolic processes that keep our bodies running.

   When we consume protein, the body uses what it needs at that moment and converts the rest to fuel. The unused fuel is stored as fat, never to return to its original form. While protein is vital to the body, our body does not store protein, so we need a continuous supply from our diets.

   The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) protein standard is 0.8 gram per 2.2 pounds of ideal body weight for adults or approximately 58 to 63 grams daily. Ideal body weight is used because amino acids are not needed by fat cells, only by the lean body mass. More protein is needed for athletes, pregnant and lactating women and growing children.

   At the same time, protein consumption should only account for 15-20 percent of the daily caloric intake. So it is important to find sources of protein low in saturated fat such as tuna packed in water, dry milk powder and soy products.

   Quick and easy to prepare, protein shakes are an excellent way to ensure proper amounts of protein in the diet. But, not all shakes are equal. They differ not only in flavor and consistency, but also in quality.

   Having recently sampled several brands, I will share the results of my survey from best to least liked.

   GNLD GR2 Control Meal Replacement Protein Shake, vanilla and chocolate (120 calories, 10 from fat, 11 carbs, 18g protein): The product mixes with water but is a little clumpy and does best in a blender with ice for a frosty treat. The drink has a mild flavor, a light texture and a good aftertaste.

   The company developed this product as part of a weight-loss program specifically formulated to normalize the glycemic response. A scientific advisory board guarantees the quality and purity of GNLD’s products.

   “Laws regarding organic certification have changed over the years and since we get our raw materials from sources around the world, we do not claim organic on our products, but in effect they are,” Todd Williams, GNLD manufacturing specialist, said.

   John Miller, vice president of science, technology and marketing for GNLD, said his company decided in the ’80s not to allow GMOs in any of its products.

   GMO means the plant has been genetically altered to withstand many natural limits plus agricultural poisons. GMOs cause a variety of good and bad consequences.

   Because of its quality, ease of use and pleasant taste, this product is my personal favorite. It is not available in stores and must be ordered through a GNLD distributor.

   Naturade Total Soy Calcium 1000, vanilla (130 calories, 30 from fat, 15g carbs and 10g protein, plus 1000mg of calcium 100 percent RDA): This product dissolves easily in water and has a nice vanilla flavor with a good balance of sweetness and smooth texture. Formulated as a meal replacement drink, this non-GMO product avoids the no-nos such as yeast, artificial sweeteners and MSG.

   GeniSoy Chocolate Protein Shake (120 calories, 0 fat, 17g carbs, 14g protein, antioxidants vitamin E and selenium): Using fructose as a natural sweetener, this brand is certified non-GMO. The texture is similar to chocolate milk made with powder. Mixing with milk adds calories, but the taste is wholesome, not too sweet with a clean aftertaste.

   Health Source Soy Protein Shake, chocolate (80 calories, 10 from fat, 4g carbs and 13g protein): This drink has a very sweet taste and mixes easily.

   The biggest complaint I have with this “health” product is the use of aspartame and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners. I reported the potential side-effects of aspartame in a previous column. Since I didn’t know what acesulfame K was, I looked it up in SAFE FOOD by Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D.

   “Even compared to aspartame and saccharin with their own safety problems, acesulfame K is the worst. The additive is inadequately tested, the FDA based its approval on tests of acesulfame K that fell short of the FDA’s own standards.

   “But even those tests indicate that the additive causes cancer in animals, which means it may increase cancer risk in humans. In l987, CSPI urged the FDA not to approve acesulfame K, but was ignored.

   “After the FDA gave the chemical its blessing, CSPI urged that it be banned. The FDA hasn’t yet ruled on that request,” he said.

   Carb Solutions High Protein Shake Mix, chocolate (120 calories, 30 from fat, 4g carbs and 19g protein): The texture was very thick like liquid glue. It was overly sweet and had the lingering taste of artificial sweeteners.

   This product also uses acesulfame K. It contains chromium picolinate, another suspect supplement.

   Along with others, I have had bad reactions to chromium picolinate. It causes me to be agitated and jittery.

   I couldn’t find research to support my experience, but there is a lot of conflicting theory about what it does, how it works and whom it helps. Therefore, I avoid any supplementation with the substance.

   The morning protein shake has become an essential part of my health program.

   I use it in the morning to give me the nutrients and energy I need to get going. The protein supplement stabilizes my blood sugar, which helps me concentrate in school.

   I give it to my toddler as well. With all the junk food available, it is comforting to know she will get the nutrition she needs to grow properly and keep her immune system strong.