Whey protein concentrates are created by pushing the protein source (milk, whey, etc.) through a very small filter that allows water, minerals and other organic materials to pass though.
Meanwhile, the proteins, which are too big to pass through the filter, are collected, resulting in protein powder.
This is the purified form of whey protein concentrate.
Basically, the protein that is collected as protein concentrate is purified again to reduce the levels of carbohydrates and fats.
Additionally it absorbs more quickly than any other protein.
Maltodextrin is a white powder often used in processed foods as a thickener or filler since it’s fairly inexpensive, as well as in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent.
You’ll find it in canned fruits, snacks, cereal, desserts, instant pudding, sauces, and salad dressings.
Since it contains fewer calories than sugar, it’s also found in sugar substitutes, such as Splenda or Equal.
The definition of natural flavor under the Code of Federal Regulations is: “the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
The search for “natural” sources of chemicals often requires that a manufacturer go to great lengths and expenses to obtain a given chemical. For this reason, synthetically produced flavors are frequently used in foods and beverages.
Artificial flavors have been known to cause an array of health problems such as chest pain, headaches, fatigue, nervous system depression, allergies, brain damage, seizures, nausea, dizziness and many more.
Soy is the most controversial protein today. Unlike the Asian culture, where people eat small amounts of whole non-GMO soybean products, western food processors separate the soybean into two golden commodities—protein and oil. And there is nothing natural or safe about these products. Soy foods contain anti-nutritional factors such as saponins, soyatoxin, phytates, protease inhibitors, oxalates, goitrogens and estrogens.
Do your research as soy protein has been linked to breast cancer, brain damage, Infant abnormalities, Thyroid disorders, Kidney stones, Immune system impairment, Severe, potentially fatal food allergies, Impaired fertility, Danger during pregnancy and nursing.
Guar Gum a natural food thickener, similar to tapioca flour.
It has significantly more thickening ability than cornstarch, at a fraction of the cost.
Xanthan gum is a sugar-like compound made by mixing aged, or fermented, sugars with a certain kind of bacteria.
In manufacturing, xanthan gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in foods.
Silicon dioxide, or silica is actually made from fragmented granules of rock and mineral, so basically it is sand.
Companies add silica to shakes to prevent them from clumping together during shipping and processing.
Is it dangerous? Probably not. The mineral actually occurs naturally in all sorts of foods like vegetables and milk.
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are partially man-made fats. The name refers to the way the carbon atoms are arranged in their chemical structure. MCTs are generally made by processing coconut and palm kernel oils in the laboratory. Usual dietary fats, by comparison, are long-chain triglycerides. People use MCTs as medicine.
Athletes sometimes use MCTs for nutritional support during training, as well as for decreasing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass.
Some shakes now contain potato extract, or Slendestra. It’s a protein source that is derived from under the skin of potatoes.
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin and another name for vitamin H.
Biotin is associated with many health benefits including the metabolism of fats and amino acids, as well as the production of new cells.
Bromelain is an extract derived from the stems of pineapples. It is a mixture of enzymes that digest protein and is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Papain is an enzyme naturally found in unripe papayas and it helps break tough protein fibers, making it great for digestive support.
Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid. It is an ionic compound consisting of two moles of gluconate for each mole of zinc.
Zinc gluconate is a popular form for the delivery of zinc as a dietary supplement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers zinc gluconate to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, although this does not constitute a finding by the FDA that the substance is a useful dietary supplement.
Just Google the “dangers of Acesulfame Potassium” and your screen will light up! What is it? It is a calorie-free sugar substitute, also known as Acesulfame K or Ace K. In the U.S., it is used in such products as candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, and beverages. Here’s the problem it’s highly highly controversial, especially as of late. Reported side effects: Long term exposure to methylene chloride can cause nausea, headaches, mood problems, impairment of the liver and kidneys, problems with eyesight and possibly cancer. Because of such recent controversy towards it’s safety and side effects it’s been banned at leading retailers, the most recent being Whole Foods.
Several grocery and retail chains nationwide have banned any products containing sucralose, the latest being Whole Foods. Watchdog groups are up in arms over artificial sweeteners like sucralose suggesting research on its safety is flawed and doesn’t account for how long-term use of the additives may impact health.
What’s in it?? Sucralose is a synthetic additive created by chlorinating sugar. Manufacturers say the chlorine in sucralose is no different from that in table salt. But in fact, the chemical structure of the chlorine in sucralose is almost the same as that in the pesticide DDT. Side effects may include head and muscle aches, stomach cramps and diarrhea, bladder issues, skin irritation, dizziness and inflammation.
Further research has shown that sucralose can cause shrinking of the thymus gland, an important immune system regulator, and liver and kidney dysfunction. A recent study by Duke University found sucralose reduces healthy intestinal bacteria, needed for proper digestion.
Soy lecithin is not soy protein, but instead a component of the soybean plant that is used an emulsifier in a variety of foods.
Metabolife Slender Satisfaction runs with the marketing tagline of being made for women with a whey and soy blend. That immediately starts off with something negative, that being the soy protein. Not only that, there are some serious issues found with the sweeteners and other ingredients in this product as well.
There are some good aspects of this shake, so it’s not all bad, but when trying to find the best meal replacement shake, this definitely leaves a great deal to be desired. Taking a look at some of the ingredients can shed light on why we don’t rate Metabolife’s option at the top.
Sucralose – What’s in it: Sucralose is a synthetic additive created by chlorinating sugar. Manufacturers say the chlorine in sucralose is no different from that in table salt. Fact: the chemical structure of the chlorine in sucralose is almost the same as that in the now-banned pesticide DDT. Several grocery and retail chains nationwide have taken note and have banned any products containing sucralose in them, the latest being Whole Foods. Several watchdog groups are up in arms over artificial sweeteners like sucralose suggesting research on it’s safety is flawed and doesn’t account for how long-term use of the additives may impact health. Reported side effects: Head and muscle aches, stomach cramps and diarrhea, bladder issues, skin irritation, dizziness and inflammation. Concerns: Research has shown sucralose can cause shrinking of the thymus gland, an important immune system regulator, and liver and kidney dysfunction. A recent study by Duke University found sucralose reduces healthy intestinal bacteria, which are needed for proper digestion and can impact the effectiveness of prescription and other drugs.
Soy – In our opinion, soy is not an ideal protein source, as there are a lot of alternatives out there. Recent studies have linked soy proteins to thyroid issues, food allergies, danger for pregnant or nursing women, immune system problems, and much more.
Artificial Flavors- The search for “natural” sources of chemicals often requires that a manufacturer go to great lengths and expenses to obtain a given chemical. For this reason, synthetically produced flavors are frequently used in foods and beverages. Artificial flavors have been known to cause an array of health problems such as chest pain, headaches, fatigue, nervous system depression, allergies, brain damage, seizures, nausea, dizziness and many more.
Metabolife Slender Satisfaction doesn’t have a high nutrient profile, however, at 80 calories it is definitely something that may provide low calorie meal replacement. User reviews doesn’t highlight energy, being full, or anything that our editors find to be the best answer to meal replacement options. Even with 10 grams of protein, and low caloric numbers, this is not the best option overall.
I love the taste of this shake but I did not have much luck losing the weight I wanted.