Protein bar

Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats.

Protein bars
Main ingredientsVarious protein foods, sugar
Three protein bars: from left to right, a Kind bar, a Clif bar, and a LUNA bar

Dietary purpose

Protein bars are targeted to people who primarily want a convenient source of protein that doesn't require preparation (unless homemade).[1] There are different kinds of food bars to fill different purposes. Energy bars provide the majority of their food energy (calories) in carbohydrate form. Meal replacement bars are intended to replace the variety of nutrients in a meal. Protein bars are usually lower in carbohydrates than energy bars, lower in vitamins and dietary minerals than meal replacement bars, and significantly higher in protein than either.

A cricket flour energy bar with the equivalent of approximately 40 crickets in each bar.

Protein bars are mainly used by athletes or exercise enthusiasts for muscle building.[2][3]

Protein bar niche

In addition to other nutrients, the human body needs protein to build muscles. In the fitness and medical fields it is generally accepted that protein after exercise helps build the muscles used. Whey protein is one of the most popular protein sources used for athletic performance.[4] Other protein sources include egg albumen protein and casein, which is typically known as the slow digestive component of milk protein.[5] Alternative protein bars may use insect protein as an ingredient. Vegan protein bars contain only plant-based proteins from sources like peas, brown rice, hemp, and soybeans.

Issues

Sugar content

Protein bars may contain high levels of sugar and sometimes are called "candy bars in disguise."[6][7] To keep calories and carbohydrate content relatively low, many protein bars contain sugar alcohol as sweetener.

Supplementation controversy

There is a disagreement over the amount of protein required for active individuals and athletic performance.[8] Some research shows that protein supplementation is not necessary.[9][10] Athletes generally consume higher levels of protein as compared to the general population for muscular hypertrophy and to reduce lean body mass lost during weight loss.[11] The American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and American College of Sports Medicine supports higher protein intake for athletes in order to enhance athletic performance and recovery.[12]

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References
  1. Moss, Michael (2014-01-28). "A Look Inside the Protein Bar". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  2. Campbell, Bill; Kreider, Richard B.; Ziegenfuss, Tim; La Bounty, Paul; Roberts, Mike; Burke, Darren; Landis, Jamie; Lopez, Hector; Antonio, Jose (2007-09-26). "International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise". Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 4: 8. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-4-8. ISSN 1550-2783. PMC 2117006. PMID 17908291.
  3. Phillips, Stuart M. (July 2004). "Protein requirements and supplementation in strength sports". Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 20 (7–8): 689–695. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2004.04.009. ISSN 0899-9007. PMID 15212752.
  4. Kurtis, Frank; Kamal, Patel; Gregory, Lopez; Bill, Willis (2017-07-19). "Whey Protein Research Analysis". Examine.com.
  5. Kurtis, Frank; Kamal, Patel; Gregory, Lopez; Bill, Willis (2017-04-29). "Casein Protein Research Analysis". Examine.com.
  6. "Nutrition Bars: Healthy or Hype?". WebMD. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  7. MD, Robert H. Shmerling (2015-12-15). "Are protein bars really just candy bars in disguise? - Harvard Health Blog". Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  8. "How much protein do I need every day?". Examine.com. 2013-01-16. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  9. Lemon, P. W.; Proctor, D. N. (November 1991). "Protein intake and athletic performance". Sports Medicine. 12 (5): 313–325. doi:10.2165/00007256-199112050-00004. ISSN 0112-1642. PMID 1763249.
  10. Phillips, Stuart M. (July 2004). "Protein requirements and supplementation in strength sports". Nutrition. 20 (7–8): 689–695. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2004.04.009. ISSN 0899-9007. PMID 15212752.
  11. Mettler, Samuel; Mitchell, Nigel; Tipton, Kevin D. (February 2010). "Increased protein intake reduces lean body mass loss during weight loss in athletes". Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 42 (2): 326–337. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181b2ef8e. ISSN 1530-0315. PMID 19927027.
  12. Rodriguez, Nancy R.; DiMarco, Nancy M.; Langley, Susie; American Dietetic Association; Dietitians of Canada; American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance (March 2009). "Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 109 (3): 509–527. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2009.01.005. ISSN 1878-3570. PMID 19278045.
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