GREGORY CHANDLER - SOY PROTEIN

Soy protein has long been a controversial protein.  However, studies confirm that soy protein is a complete protein, unlike many other vegetable proteins.  PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) is a measurement used by the world's major health organizations to rate digestibility of protein and the protein's ability to satisfy human amino-acid requirements.  The highest possible PDCAAS score is 100.  Isolated soy, casein, whey and egg-white protein all have a PDCAAS score of 100.

While soy protein is a complete when taken by itself, it can also be a perfect complement to other proteins, especially whey.  Whey's quick absorption rate and soy's more measured digestibility make them an ideal combination.  For this reason, many supplement manufactures blend soy protein with other proteins. 

Numerous studies prove that soy and whey are similar in their ability to promote lean body mass gain, but soy's antioxidant power sets it apart during the recovery phase due to its potent effect in combating free-radical formation during intense training.  This recovery-boosting power is measured in what is known as a Critical Cluster, a combination of naturally occurring glutamine, arginine and branched chain amino acids.  Soy protein isolate scores higher in amount of Critical Cluster aminos than whey, casein or egg. 

For some reason, this massive amount of research has not ended the controversy surrounding soy protein.  Nonetheless, based on the research, soy protein is beneficial.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law