The Scientific Basis of Protein Supplements on the Role of Diet in Health or Disease
One controversial topic in nutritional studies regards the idea that protein supplements present beneficial outcomes for all of their consumers. Specifically, this concept usually relates to professional sportspeople and athletes, as their organisms require an additional protein intake. On the other hand, a recent tendency in dietary trends can be noted, which includes incorporating protein supplements into the meals of recreational sportspeople and the general public (Kårlund et al., 2019). In that way, the topic of additional protein consumption in cases of both physically demanding and average lifestyles must be discussed to highlight its scientific stance.
From a biological point of view, proteins as organic compounds are essential for the normal functioning of the body. Sufficient concentrations of amino acids, the protein’s basic structural units, ensure good metabolism, muscle growth, and nervous system development (Kårlund et al., 2019). The recently introduced protein supplements include branched-chain amino acids that affect certain brain neurotransmitters to modify the perception of fatigue (Kårlund et al., 2019). Hence, one role of a high-protein diet is significantly related to the efficiency of the nervous system. Moreover, the amino acids ingested may maximize anabolic reactions of skeletal muscle and, through that, improve their resistance to prolonged training (Kårlund et al., 2019). This influence of protein on the muscular and nervous systems is valid for recreational and professional sportspeople, as well as any people consuming high protein meals.
Furthermore, the relationship between high-protein diets and microbiota activity has become an essential point of discussion for nutritionists. According to research, such diets appear to modify the large intestine mucosa homeostasis and the fecal or urinary contents (Blachier et al., 2019). In a similar way, continuous intake of amino acids leads to significant weight loss (Blachier et al., 2019). Hence, the addition of meals high in protein can act as an impactful factor in one’s health.
The Different Scientific Opinions on Protein Supplements and Their Role in Health or Disease
Due to the varying indications of the supplements’ direct effect on the human body, there are several key opinions on their beneficial or negative role. Generally, protein is considered to be a crucial component of a healthy diet. However, nutritionists differ in views on additional protein intake, even for training athletes. In that way, some dieticians emphasize the importance of dosage regulations with any type of supplement, as increased consumption leads to adverse effects on the muscular system and one’s physical endurance (Maughan et al., 2018). While prioritizing protein-containing diets, one tends to neglect other essential compounds full of nutritional value. This perspective on protein supplements highlights the necessity of regulating their concentrations even in the case of beneficial effects.
Furthermore, precautions regarding unnecessary consumption of amino acids have been accentuated by researchers focused on athletes’ regimes. Studies on the cardiovascular impact of protein supplements demonstrated a negative correlation between microdoses and heart rate, as whey protein slowed down the participants’ heart rate compared to other supplements (Lam et al., 2019). On the other hand, the researchers emphasize the negative aspects of continuous consumption since prolonged heart manipulations may lead to athletic heart syndrome (Lam et al., 2019). Incorporating large quantities of the compounds into daily meals must be done only after consulting a dietician, who will assess one’s physical activity and wellbeing beforehand.
Another point of view considers protein supplements to be too artificial and therefore insufficient in nutritious value. The processed amino acids consumption may lead to coronary artery disease, skin acne, weight gain in cases of a sedentary lifestyle (Samal et al., 2017). Most importantly, as previously mentioned, a prioritized intake of protein leads to fewer alternative essentials being ingested, which worsens one’s overall health and can cause cardiovascular or skeletal diseases.
A Critical Review and Evaluation of the Current Status of Evidence Underpinning Protein Supplements in Nutrition
The current research on protein supplements primarily focuses on optimal protein intake. Hence, the emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of the topic, methods of maximal nutritional extraction. Modern studies categorize protein supplements to rank their efficiency and possible side effects. The whey and casein proteins are valuable for metabolic processes and regular exercise routines, as well as stabilizing one’s cardiovascular state (Orsu et al., 2020). Moreover, natural protein, such as egg or soy protein supplementation, has been shown to strengthen bones, reduce fat, and lower the chances of developing certain forms of cancer (Orsu et al., 2020). Most importantly, modern research demonstrates maximum benefit from additional protein only when a balanced routine is present (Orsu et al., 2020). Therefore, while the direct influence of amino acid supplements is beneficial, the relationship is strictly based on one’s lifestyle.
The status of evidence on the issue has gradually changed over the past few years, as more studies became focused not only on its biological perspective but also on public knowledge regarding nutrition. However, the majority of the studies have been conducted on either recreational or professional athletes, decreasing their generalizability to the public. More research on various health categories is required to assess the optimal intake of protein accurately. Furthermore, little focus has been directed towards exploring the differing effects of natural and artificial supplements. This question has been briefly mentioned in the Samal et al. (2017) study, but no direct comparison was empirically tested. Additionally, the negative side effects from over-consumption have been reported in some cases from groups already exposed to certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. The generalizability of future studies must be considered to avoid such inaccuracies.
Unresolved Questions or Alternative Opinions about Protein Supplements
While the previously discussed opinions concerned two contradictory perspectives on the issue, an alternative integrates the two into a unified approach. Hence, people who actively engage in exercise must consume additional protein sources, while less active individuals have to limit that consumption. Still, both categories may experience similar risks of excess amino acids in their blood and slowed heart rates (Lam et al., 2019). Although athletes may require larger quantities of the compounds, non-athletes also benefit from the optimal doses of protein supplements. In this way, the alternative approach considers the benefit of protein supplements for all health and physical competence categories while acknowledging the significance of portion regulations.
The precise dosages for the general public are yet to be calculated considering specific health conditions. While there are many speculations regarding the advantages or disadvantages of organic supplements, minimal awareness has been recorded to inform the general public on the empirically-tested limitations. Another critical point to consider is the simultaneous consumption of more than one type of protein supplement and its effect on one’s health, as well as the idea of supplementing multiple types of organic compounds. The long-term effects of such diets must be studied to identify a more complex relationship between ingested molecules and organ systems in the body. Finally, the possibility of modifying the supplements to retain their effectiveness while lowering the risks is another profound question that remains unresolved.
Final Formulated Opinion on Protein Supplements
Finally, all opinions must be taken into account in the concluding review. The relationship between amino acids and the central organ systems is generally advantageous, mandatory for good wellbeing. In that way, protein intake is essential for maintaining good metabolism, muscle growth and stable nervous system. Furthermore, physically active people require more protein intake to regulate anabolic reactions in their muscle tissue and improve resistance training. Children are also recommended to consume sufficient protein sources to allow proper growth of their bodies. Protein supplements do not only aid in maintaining good health but can additionally help with weight loss and prompt achievement of fitness goals.
On the other hand, there is no single specific dosage for all consumers, and consultations with a dietician are critical prior to adopting such supplementary diets. One’s medical history is also important to consider, as studies have shown a direct impact of the compounds on one’s heart rate. Moreover, while supplements are to be incorporated for an additional benefit, one must not neglect the nutritional value of organic protein found in natural sources. Excess consumption of processed protein can develop into severe health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases. In cases of inappropriate intake, even athletes may suffer from the negative consequences of an overdose. Therefore, while protein supplements may be beneficial for the general public, further research is needed to outline the various recommendations in consumption for different health categories.
References
Blachier, F., Beaumont, M., Portune, K. J., Steuer, N., Lan, A., Audebert, M.,… & Sanz, Y. (2019). High-protein diets for weight management: Interactions with the intestinal microbiota and consequences for gut health. A position paper by the my new gut study group. Clinical Nutrition, 38(3), 1012-1022. Web.
Kårlund, A., Gómez-Gallego, C., Turpeinen, A. M., Palo-Oja, O. M., El-Nezami, H., & Kolehmainen, M. (2019). Protein supplements and their relation with nutrition, microbiota composition and health: is more protein always better for sportspeople? Nutrients, 11(4), 829. Web.
Lam, F. C., Bukhsh, A., Rehman, H., Waqas, M. K., Shahid, N., Khaliel, A. M., & Khan, T. M. (2019). Efficacy and safety of whey protein supplements on vital sign and physical performance among athletes: A network meta-analysis. Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 317. Web.
Maughan, R. J., Shirreffs, S. M., & Vernec, A. (2018). Making decisions about supplement use. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 28(2), 212-219. Web.
Orsu, P., Singh Sisodiya, N., & Koyyada, A. (2020). Dietary protein supplements and prevention of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. MedDocs Publishers LLC.
Samal, J. R. K., & Samal, I. R. (2018). Protein supplements: Pros and cons. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 15(3), 365-371. Web.