New Whey or No Whey?

If the name of a protein supplement is “New Whey” you would assume that it’s main protein source is made from, well, whey. Right? Well in typical sports nutrition hocus-pocus fashion a company called IDS Sports sells a nifty little liquid protein supplement and pulls the ol’ slight of hand to do so.

Though it’s called “New Whey” it’s main protein ingredient is, now get this, collagen protein. You heard me right – collagen protein! That’s like the hot-dog of proteins. In fact, collagen protein is such a poor source of protein I can’t remember it ever being used in a protein supplement. It’s like they have gone back into the stone ages with this one.

But what exactly is collagen?

Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein which is the principal constituent of connective tissues and bones. The principal raw materials used in collagen production today are cattle bones, cattle hides, and pork skins. Extraneous substances, such as minerals (in the case of bone), fats and albuminoids (found in skin), are removed by chemical and physical treatment to give purified collagen. Collagen is probably the single worst protein source you can consume. I know of no study that shows consuming collagen protein has a positive impact on muscle repair or growth.

The ingredient panel lists the protein source as the following: patent pending blend of enzymatically hydrolyzed collagenic protein isolate, whey protein isolate and caseine protein isolate. FDA regulations require that the ingredients must be listed in order of quantity. The most abundant ingredient must be listed first. However, the regulations don’t require a quantity breakdown on the separate components. This allows companies to sprinkle minute amount of ingredients in a product in order to get them listed on the label. Sneaky huh?

So why would they call it “New Whey” when whey is a minor protein source in the product? To capitalize off of the popularity of the best and most effective protein source. We call this smoke and mirrors. Whey sells because it works and is scientifically validated to support muscle growth. Collagen doesn’t sell because it doesn’t work. Use “whey” in the name and most will be none the wiser.

Smoke and mirrors. Slight of hand. Misleading. Hey, if you can’t sell it for what it is then sell it for what it isn’t.