Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate Review – Protein At Its Best For More Muscle Gains

If you want a whey protein isolate supplement which keeps things simple from top to bottom, Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate should exceed your expectations, as you’ll find out in this review.

About Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate “is protein at its best. It has been filtered to remove the majority of the lactose, fat and carbs, making it higher in protein, leaner, and faster digesting than standard whey protein. Its quick release of amino acids is ideal for supporting post-workout muscle growth and recovery,” per the manufacturer’s official website. Formula notes:

• Twenty-five grams of protein per scoop. Gives you a solid 50 percent of the daily value for protein for more muscle mass and shorter recovery time .
• Big-name supplement. We have high expectations for a Bodybuilding.com protein supplement.
• Low in fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, carbs, and sugars. These bode well for long-term health.

Protein At Its Best

We’ve sized up some impressive whey protein isolate (WPI) formulations here on B5. If you want top-notch protein supplements (90 to 95 percent protein), WPI products give you the best bang for your buck. They provide quality protein with low levels of carbs, fats, and lactose.

One of the best whey protein isolate supplements on the market is Integrated Supplements Whey Isolate Protein. It has 20 grams of 99 percent undenatured protein per 23- gram scoop. It’s also low in calories (90 per serving) fats (one percent of the daily value), cholesterol (one percent of the daily value), and sodium (two percent of the daily value). No wonder it has a high ranking on Labdoor (currently fourth as of this writing).

Then there’s KAGED MUSCLE MICROPURE Whey Protein Isolate. Kris Gethin’s signature WPI product may be a new player in the bodybuilding supplement industry, but it’s no slouch: you can’t go wrong with 25 grams of MICROPURE WPI per 32.7-gram scoop and an incredibly delicious taste. In fact, we daresay it’s one of the best-tasting protein supplements around. It’s right up there with the likes of Quest Protein Powder.

On that note, let’s see if the new Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate can exceed everybody’s expectations. “Whey protein isolate is protein at its best. It has been filtered to remove the majority of the lactose, fat and carbs, making it higher in protein, leaner, and faster digesting than standard whey protein. Its quick release of amino acids is ideal for supporting post-workout muscle growth and recovery,” per the manufacturer’s official website.

Supplementing with Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate after a hard workout can help maintain your strength levels and shorten your recovery time.

Any time we size up a Bodybuilding.com Signature Series product, we have high expectations. After all, this is arguably the world’s most popular fitness website. Some of its products (namely Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein and Bodybuilding.com Signature Pre-Workout) have been disappointments primarily because of their filler content. We thought this company set the bar high, but it hasn’t. We hope it can turn things around with the new Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate.

Protein Blend, 25 grams

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate has 25 grams of protein per 32-gram scoop. That much gives you an impressive 50 percent of the daily value for protein (a minimum daily value of 15 percent is high). We’re confident that much should help you increase muscle mass, shorten recovery time, fill those nutrition gaps, and meet your daily protein requirements.

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate’s protein blend has two components:

• Whey protein isolate (WPI): This is the purer form of protein at 90 to 95 percent (whey protein concentrate [WPC] is only 70 to 85 percent protein). Like the manufacturer said, WPI has lower fat, carb, and lactose content. It’s more expensive than WPC and has a slightly bitter taste to it.
• Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate: This is WPI which undergoes extra processing called hydrolysis. It breaks down the protein molecules into smaller protein peptides. Hence, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (or whey protein hydrolysates) are the fastest-absorbing kind of whey on the market. It’s perfect for making the transition from a catabolic state to an anabolic one after a tough workout. Because of the extra processing hydrolyzed whey protein isolate undergoes, it’s also the most expensive.

Consuming whey protein isolate after training does wonders for your body. “Whey protein isolate supplementation elicited better maintenance of muscle strength in the days following contraction-induced eccentric muscle damage,” per the September 22, 2010 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. With that, expect to crank out those heavy reps at the gym on a consistent basis.

As for hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, research proves it can shorten recovery time. According to the January 2010 issue of Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, “There is evidence that protein hydrolysates can speed tissue repair following damage and may therefore be useful for accelerating recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.”

If you’re concerned about hydrolyzed whey protein’s ability to increase muscle protein synthesis (MPS), it should put your doubts to rest. In fact, it’s far superior to casein (which you can find in Bodybuilding.com Signature Casein and MuscleTech PHASE8) and soy protein in that regard. “The consumption of whey protein hydrolysate stimulates skeletal MPS to a greater extent than either casein or soy,” per the September 2009 issue of Journal of Applied Physiology.

The key takeaway: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is not just about helping you put on some serious muscle mass. It can also maintain strength levels and accelerate recovery time. We’re confident you will reap these impressive benefits when you take this supplement.

Intangibles

Surprisingly, we found none of the key ingredients in Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate went overboard (in contrast, Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein has 15 percent of the daily value for cholesterol). It is low in fats (two percent of the daily value), saturated fats, (zero percent of the daily value), cholesterol (five percent of the daily value), carbs (one percent of the daily value), and sugar (zero grams per serving). In short, this protein supplement has an impressive nutritional profile.

The only downer is the inclusion of sucralose, an artificial sweetener with links to obesity and other side effects. Stevia, a natural alternative which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, would’ve been the far better option.

Our first impression: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a simple yet effective protein supplement. It’s one of the more impressive supplements in the manufacturer’s Signature Series product line. It’s a great addition to your bodybuilding supplement stack.

Let’s check out the formula ingredients:

• Calories, 110: Most protein supplements have around 100 to 150 calories per serving. Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is right on the industry average at 110 calories per 32-gram scoop.
• Calories from fat, 10: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a low-fat protein supplement at a measly 10 calories from fat per serving.
• Saturated fat, 0 g: This product has no saturated fat content whatsoever, which is excellent. The American Heart Association’s official website encourages the general public to monitor its saturated fat intake for excellent long-term cardiovascular function.
• Trans fat, 0 g: Trans fats lower good cholesterol (HDL) and raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, which may be detrimental to heart health. We’re pleased Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein isolate has zero trans fat content.
• Cholesterol, 15 mg: Unlike Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein, Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate has low cholesterol content at just five percent of the daily value (a maximum daily value of five percent is low). This bodes well for long-term heart health. The American Heart Association’s official website encourages individuals to monitor their cholesterol intake to improve cardiovascular function.
• Sodium, 190 mg: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate’s sodium content represents eight percent of the daily value, which is a modest amount. This much should help maintain an optimal fluid balance, promote hydration, and keep muscle cramps at bay without compromising one’s blood pressure levels.
• Total carbohydrate, 2 g: This supplement is low in carbs at a scant two percent of the daily value. This much should complement one’s low-carb nutrition plan perfectly.
• Dietary fiber, 1 g: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is not a significant source of dietary fiber at just four percent of the daily value.
• Sugars, 0 g: While this product has no sugar content, it does have sucralose, an artificial sweetener which has links to obesity and other side effects. Stevia would’ve been the better alternative.
• Protein, 25 g: Without a doubt, Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate’s protein content is the star of the show. Its 25 grams of protein per 32-gram scoop represents a solid 50 percent of the daily value. The combination of whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate should help you achieve your fitness goals.
• Vitamin A, 0 percent DV: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate has no vitamin A content whatsoever.
• Vitamin C, 0 percent DV: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate has no vitamin C content whatsoever.
• Calcium, 10 percent DV: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a decent source of calcium at 10 percent of the daily value. This mineral helps strengthen bones, regulate blood pressure levels, and improve cardiovascular function.
• Iron, 4 percent DV: Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is not a significant source of iron at a measly four percent of the daily value.

Formula Analysis

The manufacturer claims Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is “Protein At Its Best.” After a thorough analysis, we say this claim is legitimate. We feel its right up there with the likes of the aforementioned KAGED MUSCLE MICROPURE Whey Protein Isolate. Plus, we daresay it’s one of the better products in the Bodybuilding.com Signature Series product line (along with Bodybuilding.com Signature Citrulline).

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a simple protein supplement from the get-go. The feature which easily stands out is its protein content. We’re confident 25 grams of protein per 32-gram serving (a combination of whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate) will do the job. You can’t dispute the fact 50 percent of the daily value for protein should help increase muscle protein synthesis, maintain strength levels, shorten recovery time, fill nutrition gaps, and meet one’s daily protein requirements.

Other than that, Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate doesn’t have any other attribute which leaps out at us in a big way (a distant second is its modest calcium content at 10 percent of the daily value). However, we do like its low fat (two percent of the daily value), saturated fat (zero percent of the daily value), cholesterol (five percent of the daily value), sugar (zero grams per serving), and carbohydrate (one percent of the daily value) content. Like we said, these bode well for your long-term health.

We also give props to the manufacturer for its excellent transparency – it reveals all of the ingredient amounts You won’t find any shady proprietary blends in Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate. We say that’s awesome, to say the least.

Just about the only glaring chink is the sucralose content. It bears repeating: this is an artificial sweetener which has ties to obesity and other side effects. It would’ve been better for the customer if the manufacturer used stevia instead. It’s a bit perplexing considering the manufacturer is Bodybuilding.com, a big-name fitness website.

All in all, Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a simple yet impressive protein supplement which should not only help you achieve your fitness goals, but exceed your expectations as well. It’s not perfect, but it’s a worthy addition to your supplement stack.

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate Benefits

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate’s “quick release of amino acids is ideal for supporting post-workout muscle growth and recovery,” per its official website.

We agree with this assessment. Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate should help you increase muscle mass, maintain strength levels, and accelerate recovery time.

Who Takes It?

The manufacturer intended Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate for healthy and active individuals who want to increase muscle mass and strength levels, shorten recovery time, fill nutrition gaps, meet their daily protein requirements, and achieve their long-term fitness goals.

Any Side Effects?

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener which has links to obesity and other side effects.

If this, or any other ingredient, makes you feel doubtful, please consult your doctor before buying Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate.

The manufacturer also issues a warning:

Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Isolate Review Summary

Pros

• Twenty-five grams of protein per serving. Gives you 50 percent of the daily value for increased muscle mass and strength and shorter recovery time.
• WPI and hydrolyzed WPI combo. Fast-absorbing protein combo helps you make the transition from a catabolic state to an anabolic one.
• Big-name supplement. Whenever a supplement comes from the Bodybuilding.com Signature Series line, it turns heads.
• Low in fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, sugars, and carbs. These bode well for long-term health.
• Excellent transparency. Manufacturer breaks down all of the ingredient amounts.
• Flavor options. Comes in Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.

Cons

• Sucralose inclusion. Artificial sweetener with ties to obesity and other side effects.

Pricing & Where to Buy

• 1 1.3-kg. container (43-Day Supply): $44.99
• 1 2.2-kg. container (71-Day Supply): $69.99
• Available online at Bodybuilding.com