By Jenn Resendiz
A protein shake with a built-in multivitamin can simplify a morning routine. CHF #45 Super Protein+Vitamins & Minerals Vanilla combines whey protein with vitamins and minerals, most at about 100% of the Daily Value. Here is what research shows about its main ingredients.
Full nutrition panel (per 2 scoops, 41.6 g): 180 calories; total fat 6.2 g (saturated fat 3.6 g); cholesterol 164 mg; sodium 82 mg; total carbohydrate 3.3 g (sugars 1.4 g); protein 30 g (from high-IgG whey protein); vitamin A (as beta-carotene) 900 mcg RAE; vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate) 90 mg; calcium 271 mg; iron 0.41 mg; vitamin D3 20 mcg (800 IU); vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) 15 mg; thiamin 1.2 mg; riboflavin (as R-5-P) 1.3 mg; niacin (as niacinamide) 16 mg NE; vitamin B6 (as P-5-P) 1.7 mg; folate 680 mcg DFE (as L-methylfolate 400 mcg); vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 2.4 mcg; biotin 30 mcg; pantothenic acid 5 mg; phosphorus 279 mg; magnesium 25 mg; zinc (as amino acid chelate) 5.5 mg; potassium 164 mg. Other ingredients: stevia, natural vanilla flavor, silica. The fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, and several minerals are listed as naturally occurring in the whey.
Whey is one of the two main proteins in milk (casein is the other). The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) explains that whey is a complete protein, digests faster than casein, and has more leucine than casein or soy. Leucine and the other branched-chain amino acids might help stimulate protein synthesis in exercised muscle. “High IgG” means the whey is rich in immunoglobulins, antibody proteins naturally found in milk.
A 2018 meta-analysis of 49 randomized trials with 1,863 participants found that protein supplements added to resistance training increased muscle strength and muscle size compared with training alone. The added benefit leveled off at around 1.6 g of total protein per kilogram of body weight a day. A whey shake paired with regular strength exercise follows exactly what this research supports.
ODS lists the adult RDA for protein as 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight a day, about 54 g for a 150-pound person, and notes that athletes may benefit from 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg. One serving of CHF #45 supplies 30 g, more than half of a typical adult’s daily RDA in a single shake.
No upper limit has been set for protein, and ODS reports that high-protein diets of two to three times the RDA do not appear to harm kidney function, bone health, or blood lipids in healthy people. With 180 calories and only 1.4 g of naturally occurring sugars per serving, the shake is an efficient way to add protein to your day.
Each serving provides 20 mcg (800 IU) of vitamin D3, which matches the Daily Value and the RDA for adults over 70 (15 mcg is the RDA for younger adults). ODS explains that vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and is needed for normal bone growth and mineralization. Few foods naturally contain much vitamin D, which makes a shake like this a convenient source. The amount is well within the 100 mcg (4,000 IU) adult upper limit.
Folate is provided as 400 mcg of L-methylfolate (listed as 680 mcg DFE), the active form of folate. ODS says folate helps the body make DNA and RNA and metabolize amino acids, and that L-methylfolate has bioavailability equal to or greater than folic acid. Vitamin B12 is provided as methylcobalamin at 2.4 mcg, exactly the adult RDA. ODS explains that B12 is required for healthy red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and DNA synthesis.
Folate and B12 work closely together in the body, so it makes sense to include both. ODS notes that older adults, vegetarians, and people taking metformin or acid-reducing medicines are more likely to run low on B12.
Zinc (5.5 mg) provides half the Daily Value. ODS says zinc is needed for hundreds of enzymes and supports immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing. Calcium (271 mg) comes from whey and calcium ascorbate and teams up with the vitamin D.
The remaining vitamins (A as beta-carotene, C, E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, biotin, and pantothenic acid) are each at about 100% of the Daily Value, similar to a basic multivitamin. Riboflavin and B6 come in their active forms (R-5-P and P-5-P), and vitamin E is natural d-alpha-tocopherol.
CHF #45 pairs a complete, fast-digesting protein with a full daily lineup of vitamins, including active forms of folate, B12, B6, and riboflavin. One shake delivers 30 g of protein and roughly a multivitamin’s worth of nutrients, making it a simple way to cover two needs at once.
Who might enjoy it: adults who find it hard to get enough protein from food, people doing strength training, and older adults focused on maintaining muscle.
Most healthy adults can enjoy a daily shake, but please check with your clinician first if you:
Each 2-scoop serving (41.6 g) provides 30 g of protein from high-IgG whey, with 180 calories.
It provides many vitamins at about 100% of the Daily Value, similar to a basic multivitamin, so many people would not need both. Ask your clinician about your needs.
L-methylfolate is the active form of folate, and ODS says its bioavailability is equal to or greater than folic acid.
In healthy people, research summarized by ODS shows no harm to kidney function from high-protein diets. People with kidney disease should follow their clinician’s guidance.
Add CHF #45 Super Protein+Vitamins & Minerals to your cart or view the full product page and label.
This article is for general education only. It is not medical advice, and neither this article nor the product it discusses is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or another qualified health professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, or have a medical condition.
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