PROTEIN & AMINO-ACID FORM COMPARISON
| FORM |
FUNCTION / VALUE |
| Free-form |
Doesn't require digestion; quickly absorbed into
the bloodstream; relatively expensive |
| Hydrolyzed |
Predigestion speeds entry into digestive system,
but often contains longer chains that must be broken down. Whey and
lactalbumin are examples. |
| Branched-Chain |
During exercise, aids in the formation of alanine
from chain glucose, which helps prevent muscle catabolism. |
| Di- and Tripeptides |
Two- and three-molecule amino acids that are
quickly digested |
| Plant Foods |
Natural source of protein, often with fiber.
Inexpensive, but incomplete (low in certain essential aminos),
slowly digested and absorbed. |
| Animal Foods |
Natural source containing all essential amino
acids; longer digestion/absorption time, especially with fatty
meats. |
