As an athlete, there is documented evidence that we need more protein than a sedentary individual (resource). And, if you’re a regular here, you know I’m way into protein, protein powder’s for women, and in general good health. With that in mind, I accepted a product review from GNC’s new line of fitness products for women called be-buff Protein and Fiber complex. At a glance, this product seems like a good one. It’s designed to help women look leaner (more buff) and we all want that, right? With a combination of 15 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber- it should help you feel fuller longer and help you regulate your system with that added bonus of 3 grams of Sunfiber. Except, when I tried it, it added extra trips to the restroom!!
Other Ingredients:
Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate), Sunfiber Hydrolyzed Guar Gum, Calcium Carbonate, BioCore Edge™ (Protease [from Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus mellus] and Peptidase [Aspergillus oryzae]), Salt, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Sucralose, Lecithin, Natural and Artificial Flavors (Corn Syrup Solids, Silicon Dioxide, gum acacia, Modified Food Starch), Gum Blend (Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum)
Warning:
Use this product as a food supplement only. Do not use as a sole source of nutrition for weight loss or weight maintenance.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
What’s my thoughts on the product?
I have several reservations that will keep me from recommending it to you.
Number 1- the protein (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, soy protein, and calcium casinate) seems like a random mix of all the varieties of proteins you can buy all in one. And, I’m wondering how effective that would be. I’ve read multiple studies on how whey protein isolate is the best source of protein for a post workout smoothie (resource). Basically you get the most for your protein buck by sticking with whey protein isolate. Soy protein, I’ve read, is better for during workouts or before.
Number 2- I don’t understand what Sunfiber is or why you need it other than to make you poop. Wouldn’t it be easier to eat a cup of beans and a cup of celery to get the necessary fiber in our diets in a natural way?
Number 3- there are a number of ingredients here that I don’t have an understanding of- such as what is aspergillus niger or aspergillus mellus?
Number 4- keep out of reach of children. This is not good. I like to make smoothies in our house and offer them to my kids. It’s a quick and easy way to get more fruits and veggies in them and I always use a scoop of protein powder…this one says that it’s not recommended for children. Why? Finally, a good protein powder will have fewer than five ingredients and you will know what each of them are and you shouldn’t have to be a scientist to figure out what each ingredient is!