Axis Labs Clutch Whey Protein Review
Axis Labs Clutch Whey Protein is returning to shelves. The classic whey protein formula is brought back by popular demand after a five year stint as a discontinued product. Clutch Whey Protein appears to be a reinvention of the old formula, but the new formula has not been fully revealed yet.
A preliminary look at a trial supplement fact list shows just how much protein is packed into each Clutch Whey Protein serving.
Ingredients
The new Clutch Whey Protein label lists its main appeals: 100% whey protein, loaded with amino acids, low in carbohydrates, and aspartame free.
Clutch is a blend of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI).
WPC is the least pure form of whey protein; it goes through a cheaper process to contain a 70-85% protein concentration. WPI is processed to contain 90-95% protein. It also is mostly free from fat, mineral, and lactose. [1]
There is debate about which form of protein best helps workout performance. WPI, as a more pure form, would seem to be superior, but a 10-15% difference in protein makes a minimal difference in protein synthesis. Those with lactose allergies should choose WPI, since it contains minimal milk products. [2]
Clutch Whey Protein contains both whey protein types. This cuts down the cost and provides the benefits of WPC and WPI.
Loaded With Amino Acids
According to the label, Clutch Whey Protein’s amino acids are mostly comprised of glycine, taurine, and glutamine. These are non-essential amino acids that can be made by cellular chemicals.
Glycine is the smallest amino acid chain. It tends to be a residue in proteins, making it abundant in processed protein powder. Glycine contributes to protein synthesis. [3]
Taurine is abundant in the central nervous and muscle systems, especially in the brain and the heart. Taurine regulates brain functions. [4]
Glutamine is important in protein metabolism. It stimulates muscles to create new amino acids and glucose. [5]
Low in Carbohydrates
All whey proteins are at the top of the list of low-carb foods, rivaled only by tuna and egg whites, which have virtually no carbs. [6]
Clutch Whey Protein contains 4g carbohydrates per 32 g serving. That’s 12% of its overall serving.
Considering the difficulty involved in researching and finding foods that are high in protein and low in carbs, whey protein is a simple solution.
Also, lean meats, legumes, and eggs sometimes end up costing more for those concerned with quality. Whey protein can be a more economical option.
Aspartame Free
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener. Despite controversy in the 1990s, the FDA has found no significant or dangerous side effects associated with the sugar substitute. [7]
Clutch Whey Protein contains corn syrup solids as sweeteners. Corn syrup solids are a powdered version of corn syrup. They contain dextrose, or sugar. For those who prefer natural ingredients, corn syrup solids are a good substitute for artificial sweeteners. [8]
Clutch Whey Protein Compared to Other Whey Proteins
Clutch Whey Protein measures up reasonably well when compared to Amazon’s 5 top selling whey protein supplements. [9]
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• The average calorie count is 161 calories per serving, but Clutch only has 120 calories per serving.
• The average protein content is 23.4 g per serving. Clutch has slightly more, 24g per serving.
• The average for carbs is 5.6g. Clutch only has 4g.
• The average fat content is 2.2g. Clutch has slightly more, 2.5g fat per serving. [10]
Clinical Studies of Whey Protein
Since Clutch Whey Protein has roughly the same composition as other popular whey proteins available, the clinical studies that have been done can determine the overall benefits of whey protein when combined with diet and exercise.
Studies have shown the most beneficial protein concentrates contain an amino acid called leucine. Leucine is shown is responsible for protein synthesis stimulation. [11][12][13]
Clutch Whey Protein contains 1.6mg leucine per serving, or 6% of its total protein content. No studies have been performed to see if this small percentage of leucine is as effective in muscle growth as a higher concentration.
However, a high-protein, low-carb diet is shown to increase lean muscle mass, regardless of leucine content. [14] Also, scientific studies show whey protein like Clutch Whey Protein will provide overall physical benefits simply because of its high-protein content. [15]
Axis Labs’ Business Reputation
Axis Labs generally has a good reputation in the body building community.
However, from 2008-2009, Axis Labs distributed a product, “Monster Caps,” which contained synthetic anabolic steroids. They were charged by the FDA in September 2011. [16]
Axis Labs was fined $50,000, ordered to forfeit $107,000, and sentenced to a year of probation. [17] Since that time there is no evidence they have sold supplements without FDA approval.
Price
Clutch Whey Protein has been discontinued for some time, so it is unavailable at many retailers. It is sold for between $40 and $60 at third-party websites.
Is Axis Labs Whey Protein Powder a Good Choice?
Clutch Whey Protein compares favorably with other whey proteins, especially when found for a lower price. However, the final formula for this product has not yet been revealed, and it may prove to be better or worse quality than what is available now.
I suggest waiting for more information before passing final judgment.
References
[1] Mollica, Monica. “Show Me the Whey: Concentrates vs Isolates vs Hyrolysates.” Sports Nutrition Insider. 9 Mar 2012. Available from: http://sportsnutritioninsider.insidefitnessmag.com/3771/show-me-the-whey-concentrates-vs-isolates-vs-hydrolysates
[2] Venuto, Tom. “Whey Protein Isolate or Whey Protein Concentrate; which is better?” Lee Hayward’s Total Fitness Body Building. Available from: http://www.leehayward.com/whey_protein_isolate.htm
[3] “Glycine.” Biology-Online.com. 3 Oct 2005. Available from: http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Glycine
[4] “Taurine.” Biology-Online.com. 3 Oct 2005. Available from: http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Taurine
[5]”Glutamine.” Biology-Online.com. 3 Oct 2005. Available from: http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Glutamine
[6] Cespedes, Andrea. “Foods that Are Low Calorie, High Protein,and Low Carb.” Livestrong.com 7 Aug 2011. Available from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/239096-foods-that-are-low-calorie-high-protein-low-carb/
[7] “Comparing Artificial Sweeteners.” WebMD. 21 Oct 2011. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/comparing-artificial-sweeteners-topic-overview
[8] Braley, JoLynn. “High Fructose Corn Syrup vs Corn Syrup Solids – What’s the Difference?”19 Jun 2007. Fearless Fat Loss. Availablel from: http://www.fearlessfatloss.com/food/high-fructose-corn-syrup-vs-corn-syrup-solids-whats-the-difference/
[9] “Bestselling Whey Protein Supplements.” Amazon.com. 14 Jun 2013. Available from: http://www.amazon.com/Bestselling-Whey-Protein-Supplements/lm/R2DHB53WLMSB2X
[10] “Compare Protein Powder.” FndTheBest.com. 13 Jun 2013. Available from: http://protein-powder.findthebest.com/
[11] Kimball SR, Jefferson LS. “Signaling Pathways and Molecular Mechanisms through which Branched-Chain Amino Acids Mediate Translational Control of Protein Synthesis.” Journal of Decision. 2006 Jan; 136(1):2275-2315. Available from: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/136/1/227S.full
[12] Rieu I, Balage M, Sornet C, Debras E, Ripes S, Rochon-Bonhomme C, Pouyet C, Grizard J, Dardevet D. “Increased availability of leucine with leucine-rich whey proteins improves postprandial muscle protein synthesis in aging rats.” Nutrition. 2007 Apr; 23(4):323-331. Available from: http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007(07)00007-X/abstract
[13] Fujita S, Dreyer HC, Drummond MJ, Glynn EL, Cadenas JG, Yoshizawa F, Volpi E, Rasmussen BB. “Nutrient signaling in the regulation of human muscle protein synthesis.” Journal of Physiology. 15 Jul 2007. 582:813-823. Available from: http://jp.physoc.org/content/582/2/813.long
[14] Layman DK, Evans E, Baum JI, Seyler J, Erickson DJ, Boileau RA. “Dietary protein and exercise have additive effects on body composition during weight loss in adult women.” 2005 Aug;135(8):1903-10. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16046715
[15] Ha E, Zemel MB. “Functional properties of whey, whey components, and essential amino acids: mechanisms underlying health benefits for active people (review).” The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. May 2003. 14(5):251-258. Available from: http://www.jnutbio.com/article/S0955-2863(03)00030-5/abstract
[16] “September 8, 2011: Axis Labs Charged with Mail Fraud in Connection with Distribution of Product Containing Synthetic Anabolic Steroids.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 8 Sep 2011. Available from: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm271476.htm
[17] “Axis Labs Gets Probation, Fines in Steroid Case.” Natural Products Insider. 20 Jan 2012. Available from: http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2012/01/axis-labs-gets-probation-fines-in-steroid-case.aspx
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