Collagen Protein

I wrote to New Whey to tell them that, in general, the land of gastric bypass patients don't believe their product is a good source of protein due to the collagen protein not being absorbed by us.  Below was the response.  I don't really know what to make of it - something just doesn't sit right with me.  Thoughts?

 

Regarding the protein quality and PDCAA (protein digestibility corrected amino acid) score:

When scientifically examined New Whey 42G was found to have a PDCAA score of about .5 or 50 out of 100.  It is true that collagen in and of itself has a PDCAA near zero; however, this is because the PDCAA calculation requires all the requisite aminos be present in order to have a calculated score.  Collagen is deficient in L-Tryptophan, and L-Histidine.  For this reason, we add these aminos back into the drink in order to allow the product to be considered a COMPLETE protein with a higher PDCAA score.  This then gives the consumer not only the benefit of a complete protein, but one with the added benefits of collagen.  Collagen protein has numerous documented medicinal benefits that go beyond what the PDCAA score suggests; Collagen makes it possible to heal faster, while simultaneously building leaner muscle, following a workout. Not to mention-  helping in the growth/maintenance of hair, skin, and nails as well as construction of new cartilage to strengthen joints.  (For more information read here: http://www.realsolutionsmag.com/ezine/74/issue74c.asp) So while the collagen itself doesn’t lend itself to a higher PDCAA score, it can be beneficial for you.

 

Here is our amino profile for each tube of New Whey 42g:

Ingredients	per 3.8 fl. oz
Tryptophan	176 mg
Threonine	870 mg
Isoleucine	781 mg
Leucine	1294 mg
Lysine	1829 mg
Methionine + Cystine	268 mg
Phenylalanine + Tyrosine	1004 mg
Valine	1071 mg
Histidine	421 mg

 

Also, the benefits of a protein blend go beyond a solo quick digesting protein. Our mix has the combo of a slow, medium, and fast digesting protein for sustained benefit over time.

 

A PDCAA of 50 out of 100 isn't very good.  Whey isolate scores a 100 out of 100, doesn't it?  Which mean you could purchase the Yes Whey protein shots from Bariatric Advantage for about the same price, drink about the same amount of not-so-yummy tasting liquid, and expect to absorb twice as much protein.  So why buy the New Whey brand?

If they wanted to make a protein shot that contained a fast digesting protein and a slow digesting protein, they could use a combination of whey isolate and whey concentrate, which would still have a PDCAA score of close to 100.

But they want to use collagen because it's cheap.  That's because it's made from boiling the skin, hooves, and bones of horses, cows and pigs.

As far as the other benefits of collagen they list, if we are taking the vitamins recommended by the ASMBS, we'll have strong hair and nails.  If we are getting adequate protein and vitamins (and that collagen won't help us get adequate protein) we will be building lean muscle and we'll heal well.  We don't need the collagen for those purposes.

 

I agree with everything you said.  The part I'm having a problem with is where they claim they add the missing amino acids back in to make the collagen protein now a "complete protein."  For some reason, I'm not buying it, but I can't articulate why.

Maybe because it's like when you buy white bread and the package claims it's been "fortified" with five different vitamins and minerals?  They strip all the nutrients out of the wheat, then add a few back in, and you're supposed to think it's healthy for you.  I once read that it would be like someone taking $10 out of your pocket and then giving you back 25 cents.  Would you feel enriched?

Why not just use whey isolate, which has all the amino acids to begin with?

Yep, that's it.  I feel like I'm being scammed.  And why not indeed?  (I think we both know that you answered this earlier - its cheaper.)  Thank you!

It's much, much cheaper.  It's made from byproducts of slaughtered farm animals.  I'm guessing the hooves and skin of slaughtered cows and pigs must be dirt cheap, right?

I started my 2 week pre op diet yesterday (surgery date is 3/11) and I purchased some of those 42g protein shots from Walmart and I will tell you, they are gross. I know a lot of protein things are gross, but these taste so chemically, I can not get them down. And then it makes my stomach feel all weird, and then have to go to the bathroom about 2 hours later.

I will stick with the premiere protein and all the other highly recommended products. Stay away from these ones.