Protein Powder

Discover our complete range of protein powders , specially designed to support your fitness goals. Whether you are looking to build muscle, improve your recovery or supplement your diet, you will find a high-quality protein powder that meets the needs of all athletes, from beginners to advanced.

What are protein powders?

Protein powders are dietary supplements extracted from various sources such as milk, eggs, soy or peas, with a predominance for those derived from milk. To explore the origin of these proteins, we must go back to 1850, when the American Gail Borden invented powdered milk. This process involves removing water from milk to extend its conservation and facilitate its transport, a technique quickly adopted by the dairy industry. Today, most protein powders marketed insports nutrition in bodybuilding are essentially enriched powdered milk .

Protein powder, only whey?

Protein powder isn’t just whey. While whey is one of the most popular forms of protein powder asa sports supplement , there are many other protein powder sources to suit different needs and preferences:

• Casein : Casein is another protein derived from milk, but it digests much more slowly than whey. It is often consumed before bed to provide a prolonged supply of amino acids throughout the night, thus promoting muscle recovery and growth.
• Egg Protein : Egg protein is a popular option for those looking for a dairy-free protein source. It is rich in essential amino acids and has a mild digestion profile, somewhere between whey and casein.
• Soy Protein : Soy protein is a complete plant-based alternative, containing all the essential amino acids. It is commonly used by vegetarians and vegans and has similar properties to whey in terms of supporting muscle growth.
• Pea protein : Pea protein is another plant-based option, often used by those avoiding dairy and soy. While it’s not a complete protein on its own, it’s often blended with other plant sources to achieve a complete amino acid profile.
• Rice Protein : Rice protein is a hypoallergenic plant-based protein, ideal for those with food sensitivities. Like pea protein, it is not complete on its own, but is often combined with other proteins to provide a balanced amino acid profile.

Athletes: what are the benefits of protein powder?

Support for muscle growth

Protein powder, especially from whey or casein , is rich in essential amino acids . For example, it contains leucine, a key amino acid for muscle protein synthesis. When you consume protein after a workout, it provides the amino acids needed to repair and build muscle fibers damaged by exercise. This protein synthesis process is essential for muscle hypertrophy , which is the increase in muscle size. Studies (2) show that ingesting protein in the form of a health food supplement after physical exercise can stimulate muscle protein synthesis , especially when consumed within hours of training.

Accelerated muscle recovery

Taking protein powder after exercise can help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery. Protein powders are quickly digestible, especially whey, which means they can quickly provide muscles with the nutrients they need to begin the repair process. Effective recovery allows athletes to train more frequently at peak performance, reducing the risk of injuries due to overload or accumulated fatigue.

Weight management and muscle mass maintenance

For athletes looking to lose fat while maintaining muscle mass, protein powder can be a valuable ally. It’s satiating, which can help control your appetite and reduce cravings. Additionally, adequate protein intake is crucial for preserving muscle mass during a calorie deficit, which is often the goal during a weight loss phase. In theory, consuming enough protein can help prevent muscle loss while promoting fat loss.

No, protein powder is not a doping product

Despite its simplicity of manufacture, protein powder often suffers from a bad reputation, surrounded by many myths and preconceived ideas. However, protein powders are not listed among the products and substances prohibited in sport, and classifying them as such would be as absurd as banning all foods naturally containing proteins. Protein powders such as whey are extracted from food sources and are no less natural than other processed products such as sugar extracted from beets, butter or even oil. Protein powder is therefore positioned as a practical solution for athletes who need a quick protein intake but do not always have the time or access to protein-rich meals. They can be easily added to shakes, smoothies or recipes to increase the protein content without requiring complex culinary preparation. This practicality is particularly useful for those who have a busy schedule or who train several times a day.

When to take protein powder?

Protein powder can be consumed at different times of the day depending on your goals. Post-workout is a key time as muscles are in the recovery phase and need protein to repair damaged muscle fibers and promote muscle growth. Whey, which is rapidly absorbed, is particularly effective at replenishing protein stores and stimulating muscle protein synthesis at this time. Taking protein powder before training can also be beneficial. It helps prepare muscles for exercise by providing amino acids ready to be used during exercise, which can also prevent muscle breakdown during intense training sessions. Additionally, upon waking up after an overnight fast, consuming protein powder helps stop muscle breakdown that can occur overnight and quickly delivers amino acids to the muscles, contributing to better recovery and an active metabolism in the morning. Between meals, protein powder can be used as a snack to maintain a steady protein intake throughout the day. This helps support muscle protein synthesis, especially if you're looking to increase or maintain muscle mass. Finally, before bed, a slow-digesting protein (like casein) can provide a steady stream of amino acids throughout the night, which helps promote muscle recovery and prevents muscle breakdown during sleep.

Sources:

(1) https://auvergne.ffnatation.fr/rsc/1579/fichiers/dossiers/1251.pdf

(2) https://www.sci-sport.com/articles/Musculation-Supplementation-proteines-quel-impact-217.php