International WPI Review

Posted on February 20, 2023

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International Protein Amino Charged WPI contains "bio-available" whey protein isolate, the highest quality protein source available.

If you’ve ever browsed a retail sports nutrition section, you’re probably already quite familiar with this type of whey protein, as it’s been popular for decades.

But what does bio-availability mean, really?

Bio refers to biology and the body, while availability is concerning the quantity of amino acids (dipeptides and tripeptides also) that make their way into the blood stream from the digestive tract.

In essence, the term bioavailability refers to the amount of that protein that can be digested and absorbed.

And this is what we really want, right? Because protein with a low bioavailability means that much of it is not digested properly, instead passing out through your next bowel motion.

So if you want value for money, a high bioavailability is crucial—as is the tissue response to the absorbed amino acids (for a later discussion).

International WPI contains hydrolysed whey protein (whey peptides) in addition to standard WPI.

So what’s this stuff all about? And why are there so many confusing terms when discussing something as simple as protein?

Hydrolysed WPI (HWPI) is a WPI that has been broken down into smaller units via a processing method.

Hydrolysed relates to “hydrolysis” and the breaking of peptide bonds, which join amino acids together. And it is these joined amino acid chains that create proteins.

As a result of hydrolysis, there are more free form amino acids, dipeptides and tripeptides created from large and complex protein molecules.

This leads to faster absorption and elevation of blood amino acids, literally getting to your muscles faster. On top of this, HWPI is lighter and easier to digest, given that it is essentially pre-digested to some degree.

Less work for your stomach and digestive organs can be a great thing if you are on a high calorie diet, or if you are prone to gut upsets, like bloating or indigestion.

The down side to HWPI? Well, it is much more expensive than standard WPI and it is naturally quite bitter.

Fortunately, the team at International Protein know how to weave some serious magic in the lab and have created amazing flavours—so you won’t even know the HWPI is there.

International Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is the perfect blend of high-bioavailability rapid-absorption whey protein, containing low lactose and calorie contents.

International Protein Amino Charged WPI contains the nine essential amino acids in their natural state, including histidine and the branch chain amino acids (isoleucine, leucine and valine).

Whey protein is effective at stimulating muscle tissue synthesis as a result of the amino acids triggering the mTOR anabolic response.

If you don’t want to bulk up on lean muscle, you might be thinking that this product is not for you.

This point is worth some thinking over …

Firstly, muscle is difficult to gain (naturally/unenhanced) and requires constant heavy lifting along with a diet and lifestyle that promote recovery.

Secondly, if you aren't training like a bodybuilder, odds are you aren't going to create much muscle growth.

Muscles only get bigger when growth signals outweigh breakdown signals.

If you are breaking down muscle as fast as you are building it, your muscles won't get bigger. This means your catabolic signals are stronger than your anabolic ones.

We need a good amount of muscle protein turnover (anabolism plus catabolism) in order to keep any tissue healthy. This process can be compared to removing old worn bricks from a home and replacing them with fresh new ones.

However, it's good to have your anabolic signals outweighing your catabolic ones to promote wellness and optimal health.

This is simply because with a tissue as important as muscle, having a healthy reserve is important. It’s easy to lose and hard to gain, especially as we age.

Apart from being a marker of longevity, muscle mass is a reservoir for amino acids that we can tap into in times of need, such as stress or illness.

In addition, preventing falls in old age (which can and often are fatal) requires strength, coordination and bone density.

And guess what folks? Resistance exercise, such as weight training, promotes strength, muscle and bone mass, as well as coordination.

International Protein WPI is one of the few products that actually has a decent serving size, with 35.3 grams of protein per 40g serve, as well as added glutamine and l-arginine.

Many whey protein powders contain only 20-24 grams of protein per serve. Research into muscle protein synthesis recently demonstrated the beneficial effect of 40 grams of whey versus 20 grams, regardless of the amount of muscle mass that the individual holds. 

This WPI truly is a quality product, making no excuses for providing unsurpassed nutrition in a convenient range of sizes and flavours to suit even the most discerning palate. 

Where is International Protein Made?

International Protein products are made at Ormeau, QLD. They have one of the best reputations for ethical true-to-label manufacturing practices. This truly is a company you can trust. Their facility is owned and run by food scientist Christine Envall. Christine is a 3 times overall World Champion and Australia's only IFBB Professional Female Bodybuilder.