Incidence of Protein Hydrolysis

How does protein hydrolysate function and why is it used in the diet? I incorporate it regularly, yet not as a dietary supplement, rather around training and in the morning, when the body requires a quick supply of amino acids to the bloodstream. What, then, is the phenomenon of hydrolysate?

It is worth emphasizing that hydrolysis is the process of breaking down peptide bonds through salt or enzymatic hydrolysis. It is the artificial alternative to the reactions that occur in our bodies and aim to extract amino acids from proteins. The latter are essential for the body as building blocks. As a result, we obtain ready amino acids and peptides, which are administered in ready form and do not require further work from our body. In this way, we can save time and energy that would be needed to digest proteins into amino acid form.

In what situations should we use protein hydrolysate? As I mentioned earlier, this type of protein is an excellent solution when our body requires immediate provision of essential nutrients. I myself use it in the morning before aerobic and around-training, thereby replacing traditional amino acid preparations (in terms of composition, protein hydrolysis is just amino acids in an accessible form for our body). However, it is important to be cautious and not give this protein too much importance in our diet - let's avoid constantly burdening our stomach with digestion and allow it not to lose the ability to produce essential enzymes, which could have negative consequences in the future.

What to consider when selecting a hydrolysate: – Pure hydrolysate has a bitter taste. Therefore, I would focus on the percentage of carbohydrates in it. Up to 810% is acceptable, but all of the above values, in my opinion, distinguish the nutrient. Manufacturers wanting to kill this taste, they can exaggerate the sweetness of the product. – The raw material that has been subjected to hydrolyzation. However, because of the amino acid profiles, I'd always prefer supplements based on concentrates and isolates. – Number of unnecessary additives such as excessive sweeteners or glucose, maltodextrin, etc. It should be a supplement that complements amino acids, not vitamins, carbohydrates, etc. Not to mention the amount of chemistry we get in the bundle. – Purity certificates. This is always important in terms of supplement safety. The product must be tested for the presence of hormones and also lactose, gluten (basic substances added as a thickener and often sensitizing many people). – Hydrolysis method. The industry uses the cheaper salty/acidic option. However, as consumers, we are only interested in the enzymatic, more expensive, but more complete and providing a product of high quality, broken down into dipeptides and tripeptides, characterized by full and fast absorption time. The name of this hydrolysis is OPTIPEP. So let's choose the product marked with this logo. In summary, hydrolysates, in my opinion, are an interesting product that is a good choice for many people who want to appropriately supplement their nutritional and supplementation plan. However, the market for supplements is governed by a simple rule – cheap and good rarely go hand in hand, and products and their manufacture (especially those requiring advanced technology, and hydrolysates can be included in this group) are very expensive to produce. Always choose quality. Of course, I wouldn't be myself if I didn't emphasize the important rule at the end: supplement = supplement (in this case, the diet), so let's make sure it remains an addition and not a main component. Excessive use is never appropriate, moderation – always in the price.