Protein

Protein supplements are concentrated sources of dietary protein designed to augment daily intake without substantially increasing total carbohydrate and fat calories. They come in various forms, primarily powders, ready-to-drink shakes, and bars, and are derived from either animal sources (e.g., whey, casein, egg white) or plant sources (e.g., pea, soy, rice, hemp). Whey is rapidly digested and rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), whereas casein provides a slower, sustained release. Plant-based options are excellent alternatives for vegans or those with dairy intolerances but often require blending multiple sources to achieve a complete amino acid profile.