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Protein Powders

Protein Supplements & Constipation

December 19, 2024

Protein powders and supplements may cause constipation and other gastrointestinal side effects in some people, but there are steps you can take to avoid these side effects. For details, see the Cautions and Concerns section of our Protein Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Casein for Sleep?

November 18, 2024

Did Lactium, a branded casein, help people with insomnia fall asleep faster or improve sleep quality? See what a recent study found in the Casein section of the Protein Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein powders.

Also see: Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?

Hemp Seed Benefits?

November 14, 2024

What are hemp seeds and does eating them help with heart health, diabetes, or boosting testosterone? Find out in our article about the benefits, safety, and what to consider when picking a product.

Also see our test results for:

Can you get too much protein?

November 04, 2024

Proteins provide essential amino acids, but some evidence suggests that getting high amounts of two specific amino acids from foods may increase the risk of heart disease. Learn how to limit exposure to these amino acids in our article: What’s the Best Way to Get High-Quality Protein from Food?

Also see our Top Picks in our Protein Powders Review.

Protein for Vegans

September 23, 2024

Is it helpful for vegans to incorporate processed foods, like tofu or protein powders, into their diets? See what recent study suggested in our article: Top 8 vitamins and nutrients for vegetarians and vegans.

Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements, including our Top Pick for vegans.

Protein When Training

September 05, 2024

Does getting extra protein while participating in resistance training improve body composition and strength better than resistance training alone? Find out what a recent study found in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Supplements & Acne

March 15, 2024

Be aware that supplementing with whey protein may increase the risk of acne in some people, as noted in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Protein Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Learn about the effects of other supplements on acne.

Heart Concern With High Protein?

March 01, 2024

Too much protein from a single meal might pose cardiovascular risk according to a preliminary study. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Protein Powders and Shakes Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein products.

BPA in Protein Powder?

January 26, 2024

Protein powders can absorb BPA (an endocrine disruptor) from plastic containers. Learn how to avoid BPA in the Quality Concerns section of our Protein Supplements Review.

Is Protein Powder Ultra-Processed?

January 23, 2024

All protein powders can be considered ultra-processed food, which has pros and cons, as discussed in our Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders and shakes.

Protein Powder Allergy?

January 19, 2024

It is possible to be allergic to a protein powder, and some potential allergens need not be disclosed as allergens on labels. Learn more in the Cautions and Concerns section of our Protein Powders & Shakes Review.

How to Store Protein Powder

January 19, 2024

Learn how to properly store protein powders in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein powders.

Cricket Protein and Kidneys

December 14, 2023

Cricket protein may be more environmentally friendly than animal sources of protein, but people with impaired kidney function may want to avoid consuming large amounts. Learn why in the Cautions and Concerns section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see what we found when we tested cricket powders, and see our Top Picks for whey, soy, and other protein shakes and drinks.

Protein After Hospitalization

September 19, 2023

Does a protein drink like Ensure Protein help with recovery after hospitalization? See what a study showed in the Recovery section of our Protein Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein powders and drinks.

Protein Powder vs. Bar

June 30, 2023

Is protein better absorbed from a drink made from protein powder or a protein bar? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Nutrition Bars Review.

Also see our Top Picks among protein powders and drinks and Top Picks among nutrition bars.

Non-animal Whey

June 23, 2023

How do “non-animal” whey protein products such as V-Whey and Mooless compare to regular whey protein, and are they suitable for people sensitive to lactose or with milk allergies? Find out in our Protein Powders Review.

Also see our Top Picks among protein powders.

Top Pick Protein Meal

May 23, 2023

With the addition of Ka'Chava to our Protein Powders Review, we compared it to six other products as a meal replacement. See which is our Top Pick.

Ka'Chava Superfood

May 19, 2023

We just tested Ka'Chava Superfood, a popular protein powder that also contains vitamins and minerals. See the results now in our Protein Powders and Shakes Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

When to Get Protein

April 14, 2023

For older people, a new study suggests that the timing of protein intake during the day may be important, although more research is needed. Get the details in the When to take section of our Protein Powders and Shakes Review. Also find out when to take protein around exercise for greater metabolic improvement and fat loss.

See our Top Pick among protein powders.

Collagen Versus Whey Protein?

April 07, 2023

Find out if taking collagen (which is a protein) improves wrinkles if you already use a protein powder, such as whey. Also, learn if collagen is as good as whey for muscle maintenance.

Protein For Faster Improvement?

March 28, 2023

Did taking a protein supplement lead to faster improvement in walking speed among older men and women than exercise alone? Find out what a recent study showed in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Pick among protein supplements (including whey, casein, pea, and soy).

Vegan Protein for Muscle?

February 28, 2023

Can vegan protein derived from fungus (sold as Quorn) improve muscle mass and strength as effectively as milk-based protein, and is it safe? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Powders and Shakes Review.

Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, including a product suitable for vegans.

Whey Protein for Diabetes

February 07, 2023

Whey protein seems to help control blood sugar levels, and a recent study suggested that it may do more than just slow gastric emptying and increase insulin levels. Get the details in the Diabetes section of our Protein Powders and Shakes Review. Also see our Top Picks for whey protein.

How Much Phytate in Pea Protein?

January 13, 2023

Although not on the label, we found out how much phytate, an anti-nutrient, is in our Top Pick for pea protein powder. Learn the details and implications in our updated Protein Powders and Shakes Review.

Phytates in Pea Protein

January 10, 2023

Is pea protein powder is a significant source of the phytate, which can reduce mineral absorption? Find out what research suggests in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Powders Review.

High-Intensity Training + Protein?

October 18, 2022

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular way to work out, but does taking a protein supplement after HIIT increase muscular benefits? Find out what a recent study showed in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Powders and Shakes Review.

Plant Protein Pairings

September 28, 2022

What are the best combinations of plant-based foods to ensure proper intake of essential amino acids? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review.

Whey Protein & Blood Pressure

July 06, 2022

Whey protein may temporarily lower blood pressure. Find out if adding carbohydrates and fats reduces this effect in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Protein Supplements Review.

Whey Protein & Blood Pressure

May 10, 2022

Older people may experience a dip in blood pressure after consuming whey protein, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Protein Powders, Shakes, and Drinks Review.

Whey Protein From a Lab

March 04, 2022

Laboratory-produced whey protein is now hitting the market. How does it differ from milk-based whey protein? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among protein powders, shakes and drinks.

Protein Shake for Weight Management?

March 04, 2022

Can drinking a protein and fiber shake improve weight management in overweight people when used along with diet and exercise? Find out what a recent study found in the Weight management section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, shakes and drinks.

Does Boosting Protein Intake Help?

March 01, 2022

Can getting extra protein boost physical function or improve body composition in older people? See what a recent study showed in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Soy Versus Whey Protein

January 10, 2022

Can soy protein help increase muscle mass and strength as well as the same amount of whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Protein Powders and Drinks Review, which includes comparisons of whey, casein, soy, rice, pea and other forms of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Nutrients In Jeopardy With a Plant-Based Diet?

November 29, 2021

Which nutrients are in jeopardy when one switches from animal to plant-based proteins? Find out what a recent study showed in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

How Good Is Pea Protein?

October 22, 2021

How does the amino acid quality and digestibility of pea protein compare to casein? Find out what a new study showed in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review, which also explains the differences between whey, soy, rice, and other sources of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, including our Top Pick for pea protein.

Whey vs Rice and Potato Protein

June 26, 2021

Whey, rice and potato proteins were found to have different effects on blood sugar and insulin levels in a recent study. Find out how they differ. You can also learn more about these and other protein sources in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders.

Protein During Dialysis?

October 26, 2020

People on dialysis (for kidney failure) may lose protein, but do all dialysis patients benefit from protein supplementation? Find out what studies are showing in the What It Does section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders, shakes and drinks.

Can Whey Protein Control Hunger?

October 05, 2020

Can drinking a whey protein shake help control hunger in people who are overweight? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, shakes and drinks.

Whey vs. Casein vs. Neither

June 16, 2020

A study among elderly men engaged in strength training compared the effects of supplementing with whey protein, casein protein, or neither. Learn what the study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders.

Does Protein Powder Affect Blood Flow?

April 20, 2020

Does supplementing with whey protein isolate affect blood flow through the aorta and to the brain? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders & Drinks Review. Also learn what effects protein powder has on building and maintaining muscle and see our Top Picks for protein powders.

When to Eat Protein

March 20, 2020

Some evidence indicates that it is best to distribute protein across meals throughout the day to maximize protein production in muscle. A recent study suggests that there is one meal when protein intake could be higher for nearly everyone, and there is another meal when older people particularly fall short. For details see the When to Take section of the Protein Powder and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and drinks.

When to Eat Protein

January 06, 2020

The timing of protein intake during the day was associated with greater reductions in abdominal fat and BMI (body mass index) among people engaged in exercise programs in a recent study. The timing of protein intake can also improve the likelihood of muscular benefits. For details, see the When to Take section of the Protein Powders and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein products.

When Protein Won't Help

November 18, 2019

Supplementing with protein can help build and maintain muscle mass, but there are times when it won't help, as demonstrated in a recent study. For details see the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein supplements.

Extra Protein During Chemotherapy?

October 04, 2019

Is taking extra whey protein during chemotherapy helpful to malnourished cancer patients? Learn what a study found in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders, Shakes, and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders.

Who's Not Getting Enough Protein?

September 27, 2019

A recent study among older Americans identified groups that are not getting enough protein. Find out who's not getting enough protein in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein products.

Whey Protein for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss?

August 26, 2019

Did drinking whey protein after resistance exercise help prevent muscle loss and reduce body fat in obese women? See what a recent study found in the Building and maintaining muscle section of the Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and shakes.

Casein Peptides for Better Sleep?

July 05, 2019

People with difficulty sleeping were given a casein hydrolysate to see if it would help them sleep. Find out if it worked in the Casein section of the Protein Powders, Drinks and Shakes Review. Also see our Top Picks among casein and other protein products.

Many Men and Women Not Getting Enough Protein

February 26, 2019

A national study found that many older men and women don't get enough protein in their diets, including those in their 50s. For details, see the What It Does section of the Protein Powders and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Allergic Reactions to Protein Powder

February 22, 2019

Be aware that allergic reactions to protein powders have recently been reported in people not normally allergic the protein sources of their supplements. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Protein Powders, Shakes, and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein supplements.

Whey Protein When Bedridden?

February 01, 2019

Does substituting whey protein for other sources of protein help bedridden people retain muscle mass and strength? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders & Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders.

Pea vs. Whey Protein

January 14, 2019

Which is better for increasing strength and muscle thickness, pea protein or whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Pick for each type of protein.

Is Protein Best Before or After a Meal?

January 04, 2019

A new study showed that the timing of protein supplementation around a meal can determine the effect on blood sugar in people with insulin resistance. Find out the best timing in the update to the Protein Powders, Drinks, and Shakes Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products.)

When to Take Protein

December 08, 2018

Supplementing with protein can increase muscle mass and strength more than resistance exercise alone, but the timing of protein consumption can make a difference if you are also trying to improve metabolism and reduce body fat. Get the details and find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders, Shakes & Drinks Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).

Extra Protein for Extra Muscle?

September 24, 2018

Extra protein can boost the increases in muscle strength and size that occur with strength training. But does extra protein help people already consuming adequate protein from their diets? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Protein Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein powders and shakes.)

Extra Protein Can Help Older People

August 17, 2018

Increasing protein intake can help older people maintain and build muscle — but it's not that simple. Get the details, and read about the latest studies, in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of the Protein Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein shakes and drinks).

Protein for Exercisers

May 19, 2018

What happens when you give extra protein to women who regularly perform resistance exercise? Extra good things, according to a recent study. See the details (including dosage) in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders, Shakes, and Drinks Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein products).

Casein at Night?

May 14, 2018

It has been suggested that casein protein be taken at bedtime because it is absorbed relatively slowly, providing a more continuous supply of amino acids throughout the night to maintain muscle. A study recently put this theory to the test. See the results in the Casein section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

When to Take Protein

April 28, 2018

When is the best time of day to take a protein supplement if you want to gain muscle but lose fat? An analysis of over 30 clinical studies involving protein supplementation and resistance exercise recently addressed this question. Get the answer and details in the ConsumerTips section of the Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein products).

Does Extra Protein Help?

March 19, 2018

What effect does giving older men a daily protein supplement and/or a weekly testosterone shot have? Find out in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders, Shakes, and Drinks Review. The section also provides information about the effects of extra protein in other populations. (Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.)

Protein Enhances Muscle Gain in Young and Old

February 09, 2018

Consuming extra protein, up to a point, was found to help both younger and older people increase muscle strength and size as part of resistance exercise training. For details see the What It Does section of the Protein Powders Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein powders).

Does Protein Hurt Bones?

February 06, 2018

It has been speculated that high-protein diets can result in calcium loss from bone. A recent study tested this. Get the results in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Protein Powders Review -- which also discusses a concern with dehydration. (If you use protein powders, see our Top Picks).

Extra Protein Enhances Training

July 01, 2017

Even among untrained, middle-aged men, adding protein supplementation to resistance training leads to greater improvements in lean body mass (i.e., more muscle) than the training alone, according to a new study. Find out how much protein helped in the "What It Does" section of the Protein Supplements Review. The Review includes our test-based, quality ratings and comparisons of popular protein powders and drinks.

Whey Protein Improves Recovery After Hip Fracture Surgery

June 07, 2016

Whey protein improved strength and the ability to perform certain activities of daily living in older adults who underwent surgery for hip fracture, according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, and more about other benefits, in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

Diabetes Cured With Low Cal Diet

April 19, 2016

A recent study found that type 2 diabetes was reversed in 40% of people who followed an 8-week, very low calorie diet consisting mainly of a diet shake. Get details about the study in the "What It Does" section of the Protein Powders and Drinks Review – for Body Building, Sports & Dieting >>

Extra Protein Helps During Exercise & Dieting

February 09, 2016

A study among obese young men found that giving extra protein during a period of dieting and intense exercise caused them to lose more fat and gain more muscle than men to whom additional protein was not provided. Several other recent studies in both young and old individuals have shown significant benefits from additional protein – but only when combined with exercise. Get the details in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

Whey Protein and Muscle

October 26, 2015

As noted in our Protein Review, many studies show that extra protein can help build more muscle and increase strength when resistance training. But, as shown in a recent study in postmenopausal women, just eating extra protein without exercise provides no benefit. Get the details in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

Pea Protein for Muscle

January 27, 2015

Like whey protein, pea protein is now being used in protein powders. A recent placebo-controlled study compared the two and suggests that pea protein is a viable option for increasing muscle mass. See the details in the Protein Supplements Review >>

Whey Protein for Blood Sugar Control?

July 11, 2014

Drinking a whey protein shake before a meal improves blood sugar and insulin response in men and women with type 2 diabetes, according to a new, preliminary study. Get more details, plus our tests of protein supplements, in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

Soy Protein to Prevent Prostate Cancer?

July 20, 2013

Prostate cancer occurs less frequently in parts of the world where people eat more soy. So researchers recently gave a soy protein drink, or a placebo drink, to men who previously had prostate cancer to see if it reduced the risk of the cancer recurring. Learn what they found in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

Concern Over Carnitine Causing Cardiovascular Disease

April 13, 2013

Intake of L-carnitine from supplements (and from red meat) may foster atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), according to new research. Once ingested, L-carnitine is converted in some people to a compound which reduces the normal clearing of cholesterol from arteries.

For more details, see the updated reviews of B Vitamin Supplements & Energy Drinks and Protein Powders, as some of these products contain L-carnitine. The Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements review has also been updated because acetyl-L-carnitine is chemically similar to L-carnitine, suggesting a potential concern.

Extra Protein Improves Strength

December 08, 2012

Whether you are trying to add muscle or just maintain it, a new report suggests that additional protein leads to further gains from resistance-type training. The analysis of 22 clinical studies shows that both young and old individuals who received additional protein from supplements or high-protein foods experienced significantly greater increases in muscle mass and strength than those not getting additional protein. Get the details, as well as our tests and reviews of protein powders and drinks, in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review (Including Sports, Nutrition, and Diet Products). More >>

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Protein Powders

Protein Supplements & Constipation

December 19, 2024

Casein for Sleep?

November 18, 2024

Hemp Seed Benefits?

November 14, 2024

Can you get too much protein?

November 04, 2024

Protein for Vegans

September 23, 2024

Protein When Training

September 05, 2024

Supplements & Acne

March 15, 2024

Heart Concern With High Protein?

March 01, 2024

BPA in Protein Powder?

January 26, 2024

Is Protein Powder Ultra-Processed?

January 23, 2024

Protein Powder Allergy?

January 19, 2024

How to Store Protein Powder

January 19, 2024

Cricket Protein and Kidneys

December 14, 2023

Protein After Hospitalization

September 19, 2023

Protein Powder vs. Bar

June 30, 2023

Non-animal Whey

June 23, 2023

Top Pick Protein Meal

May 23, 2023

Ka'Chava Superfood

May 19, 2023

When to Get Protein

April 14, 2023

Collagen Versus Whey Protein?

April 07, 2023

Protein For Faster Improvement?

March 28, 2023

Vegan Protein for Muscle?

February 28, 2023

Whey Protein for Diabetes

February 07, 2023

How Much Phytate in Pea Protein?

January 13, 2023

Phytates in Pea Protein

January 10, 2023

High-Intensity Training + Protein?

October 18, 2022

Plant Protein Pairings

September 28, 2022

Whey Protein & Blood Pressure

July 06, 2022

Whey Protein & Blood Pressure

May 10, 2022

Whey Protein From a Lab

March 04, 2022

Protein Shake for Weight Management?

March 04, 2022

Does Boosting Protein Intake Help?

March 01, 2022

Soy Versus Whey Protein

January 10, 2022

Nutrients In Jeopardy With a Plant-Based Diet?

November 29, 2021

How Good Is Pea Protein?

October 22, 2021

Whey vs Rice and Potato Protein

June 26, 2021

Protein During Dialysis?