ORGANIC PROTEIN BLEND Proprietary Blend
Also known as: Organic Protein Blend, Plant-Based Protein Blend, Proprietary Protein Blend
Overview
An Organic Protein Blend is a mixture of protein sources derived from organically certified plants (such as pea, rice, hemp, or soy) or sometimes organic animal proteins (like whey). These blends aim to provide a complete amino acid profile by combining complementary proteins. It is used to support muscle protein synthesis, recovery, and overall protein intake, especially in athletes, vegetarians, or those seeking organic dietary options. Key characteristics include containing multiple protein sources to enhance amino acid completeness and being certified organic to avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Research on individual plant and animal proteins is extensive, but less so on specific proprietary blends. High-quality evidence is available for individual protein types, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses comparing plant vs. animal proteins and their effects on muscle and health outcomes.
Benefits
Plant-based protein blends can improve muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and athletic performance compared to no or low protein intake, though animal proteins may have a slight edge in muscle mass gains. Meta-analyses show that total protein intake, regardless of source, supports lean mass maintenance and gains, with animal protein sometimes showing a small advantage in muscle strength and mass. Plant protein intake is associated with improved blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular health benefits, including lowering LDL cholesterol. Plant protein may also support bone health comparably to animal protein, with some evidence suggesting less bone loss with plant protein intake. Vegetarians and vegans benefit from blends that ensure complete amino acid profiles. Older adults may require higher protein doses; plant blends can be effective if total intake is sufficient.
How it works
Proteins provide essential amino acids, particularly leucine, which activates the mTOR pathway to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. It supports skeletal muscle anabolism and influences lipid metabolism and bone remodeling. Animal proteins generally have higher digestibility and bioavailability. Plant proteins may have lower digestibility, but blending different sources improves amino acid completeness and absorption. The primary biological pathway involves the mTORC1 signaling pathway for muscle synthesis and lipid metabolism enzymes and receptors for cholesterol regulation.
Side effects
Organic Protein Blends are generally safe for healthy individuals when consumed within recommended protein intake levels. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, especially with high doses or fiber-rich plant proteins. Uncommon side effects include allergic reactions possible depending on protein source (e.g., soy allergy). There are no widely reported rare side effects. There are no significant drug interactions. Individuals with specific allergies to included protein sources should avoid. Kidney disease patients should monitor protein intake.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose is approximately 20-25 grams per serving to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Optimal dosage ranges are 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg body weight per day total protein intake for active individuals; blends should be dosed to contribute meaningfully to this total. A maximum safe dose is up to 2.5 g/kg/day generally safe in healthy adults. Post-exercise consumption optimizes muscle recovery. Powders mixed with liquids are recommended for rapid digestion. Combining multiple plant proteins improves amino acid profile and absorption. Adequate vitamin B6 and digestive enzymes may support protein metabolism.
FAQs
Is an organic protein blend as effective as animal protein?
It can be effective if total protein and essential amino acid intake are sufficient, though animal protein may have a slight advantage in muscle mass gains.
Can plant protein blends support muscle growth?
Yes, especially when combining complementary proteins to ensure all essential amino acids are present in sufficient quantities.
Are there cardiovascular benefits?
Plant protein intake is associated with improved lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk reduction, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Is it safe for everyone?
Generally yes, except for those with allergies to specific protein sources included in the blend. Always check the ingredient list.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33670701/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis compared animal vs. plant protein on lean mass and muscle strength, including 18 articles (16 in meta-analysis). It found that animal protein may have a small advantage in muscle mass gains, but total protein intake is critical for muscle development. The study included high-quality RCTs with adequate sample sizes and statistically significant results (p<0.05), but noted heterogeneity in protein types and doses as a limitation.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/83/7/e1581/7954494 – This Nutrition Reviews systematic review compared the effects of plant vs. animal protein on muscle mass and strength. It concluded that animal protein may have a small beneficial effect over non-soy plant protein, but more research is needed on diverse plant proteins. The review included RCTs with control groups and appropriate sample sizes, and the quality was assessed as high with clear effect sizes.
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.117.006659 – This systematic review, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reviewed 13 observational studies and 14 RCTs on plant protein's effect on blood lipids. It demonstrated significant lipid-lowering effects of plant protein substitution, with dose-response relationships. The study used rigorous meta-analytic methods including sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessment, supporting cardiovascular benefits of plant protein intake.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0192459 – This PLOS One meta-analysis compared animal vs. plant protein effects on bone mineral density in adults. It found that plant protein intake was associated with less bone loss compared to animal protein. The study followed Cochrane Handbook methods for meta-analysis of RCTs, with adequate sample sizes and statistical rigor.
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