Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold standard is a protein powder comprising whey protein isolate and no artificial sweeteners. Whey protein isolates are 90 percent pure protein by weight and are the purest form of whey protein on the market. As a protein source, this powder offers 24g of pure protein that may help to build and maintain muscle. It also offers less fat, cholesterol, and lactose that is often found in other powders.
Muscle Building
Protein supplements are popular choices if you have have higher protein demands due to muscle-building workouts and exercise routines. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard offers a higher protein percentage than other brands that contain less whey protein isolates. It is nearly 79 percent protein by weight. Whey protein isolate is a pure protein and helps to build muscle by delivering high-quality amino acids to muscle after a workout. It can help in reducing the recovery time you need after a workout because your muscles can receive more protein at a rapid pace that can contribute to repair and growth. Since the carbohydrate and fat levels of this protein powder are low, it can also aid in maintaining a proper calorie intake and prevent excessive weight gain, according to the Optimum Nutrition website
Other Ingredients
This product contains more HydroWhey low molecular weight and specially hydrolyzed whey peptides, than other protein powders. This makes Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard a faster acting protein supplement than other products since these peptides are more easily absorbed by the body. This product also contains lactase, so it is beneficial to those who are lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive. It also contains Aminogen digestive enzymes, which help to further increase a fast absorption rate into the muscles and also contribute to proper digestion and health, according to the Bodybuilding.com website.
BCAAs
This protein supplement also offers 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids. This makes it a superior source of muscle-building protein than other supplements. BCAAs help to deliver protein to the muscle at a faster rate and therefore improve recovery time after workout. Protein has to be broken down into amino acids before they can be used by the body. They need to be broken down in the intestines, absorbed in the blood, and then travel to the liver to be changed into an energy source. This can be a lengthy process. BCAAs, however, can be used directly in the muscles for energy, and skip the processing to the liver. Therefore, they act very early to keep muscle from breaking down and also aid in muscle, tendon, skin and bone repair, says Optimum Nutrition.
Glutamine
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard offers 4 grams of glutamine. Studies have shown that glutamine can increase the level of growth hormone in the body. This, in turn, helps to promote muscle growth and aid in fat loss. Glutamine also keeps your muscle cells at a greater volume. This means that the cells are swelled to a degree that the body does not break down protein too fast. As a result, more protein is available to the body and you can recover quicker from exercise and also achieve greater muscle-building gains, according to Optimum Nutrition.
Calorie Breakdown
The nutrition profile of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard varies according to the flavor you choose. Flavors include double rich chocolate, cookies and cream, strawberry and vanilla. The variety offered ensures there is a wide range to meet different and individual preferences and tastes. The general nutritional profile for one scoop, at 32.4 grams, however, is 130 calories, 1.5g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 5g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 3g sugar, and 24g of protein. This will fluctuate up or down a minor amount according to flavor.