NutraKey Whey Optima Review – Premium Protein Complex Still Worth Sizing Up

If you’re keen on buying a protein supplement with an insane amount of digestive enzymes, look no further. NutraKey Whey Optima blows the competition out of the water in that regard, as you’ll find out in this review.

About NutraKey Whey Optima

NutraKey Whey Optima is a “Premium Protein Complex” and “an ideal blend of whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein hydrolysate, and whey protein concentrate, with natural digestive enzymes to maximize protein digestion,” per its official website. Formula notes:

• Twenty-three grams of protein per scoop. Equal to solid 46 percent of the daily value.
• Digestive Enzyme Complex. Features an insane eight digestive enzymes for maximum nutrient bioavailability.
• High in cholesterol. Eighteen percent of the daily value.

Premium Protein Complex

The search for the ideal bodybuilding protein supplement can be arduous. There are literally thousands of products vying for your attention out there. Good thing we stumbled upon a few which stand out from the rest of the field:

• Jay Robb Whey Protein
• SFH Pure Whey
• Magnum Quattro
• ProteinSeries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein
• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant 

Let’s hope NutraKey Whey Optima can exceed our lofty expectations as well. Its packaging is one of the most unique and eye-catching we’ve seen for a protein supplement. The graphic design is excellent. We’re crossing our fingers we can say the same thing about the protein content.

The manufacturer dubs it its “Premium Protein Complex,” per its official website. This product is not your ordinary protein powder, mind you: it has natural digestive enzymes which maximize protein absorption.

“Our formulators crafted an ideal blend of whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein hydrolysate, and whey protein concentrate, with natural digestive enzymes to maximize protein digestion,” per the product’s official website.

We give that move a thumbs up. Effective nutrient absorption leads to maximum results. This supplement’s digestive enzymes are its main selling point, hands down.

NutraKey Whey Optima can help boost your strength training gains.

The manufacturer also puts a premium on the so-called “anabolic window” which immediately follows intense training. Its website says, “Ensuring the rebuilding of muscle tissue and restoration of depleted glycogen levels from exercise is important, as it prevents your body from going into a catabolic state.”

Yes, it’s important to make the transition from catabolic to anabolic following a tough workout. However, there have been conflicting studies on the controversial anabolic window.

Semantic Scholar’s official website says, “Skeletal muscle remains responsive to protein ingestion for much longer than the once purported one hour following resistance exercise.”

The takeaway: protein timing extends beyond the one-hour anabolic window. However, never neglect protein consumption after your workout. Protein supplements help repair damaged muscle tissue and increase muscle mass. Let’s see if NutraKey Whey Optima is up to the daunting task.

Whey Protein Blend, 23 grams

NutraKey Whey Optima contains a respectable 23 grams of protein per serving. It may not measure up to other big-name protein supplements such as EFX Sports Training Ground Isolate (25 grams per scoop), but it’ll still go a long way.

You can’t argue with 46 percent of the daily value for protein (a daily value of at least 15 percent is high). That much should give you a good return on your investment.

NutraKey Whey Optima’s Protein Blend has three components:

• Whey protein isolate: Simply known as WPI, this is whey which is at least 90 percent protein. It has lower carb, fat, and immunoglobulin content than its WPC counterpart. It’s a great alternative for individuals who follow a low-carb diet or want to muscle up and lean out at the same time.
• Whey protein concentrate: Simply known as WPC, this is whey which is roughly 70-85 percent protein. It has higher carb, fat, and immunoglobulin content than WPI. It’s also cheaper and tastier than WPI.
• Whey protein hydrolysate: These are protein molecules which the manufacturer broke down into smaller peptides for lightning-fast absorption. Whey protein hydrolysate may be the fastest-absorbing kind of whey, but it’s also the most expensive due to the additional microfiltration process.

Many protein supplements provide you with just one or two kinds of whey. If you can’t make up your mind as to which kind is right up your alley, NutraKey Whey Optima is an excellent choice: you get the best of all three.

We say this product’s protein content hold its own. We’re hoping it can excel in the other nutritional facets as well.

Digestive Enzyme Complex

It bears repeating: NutraKey Whey Optima’s Digestive Enzyme Complex is its main selling point. We daresay it’s its difference maker.

Simply put, digestive enzymes improve nutrient bioavailability. Protein supplements such as Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein and CELLUCOR COR-Performance Whey have digestive enzymes. It’s no wonder they have excellent protein bioavailability.

Well, NutraKey Whey Optima kicks it up a notch: while the competition boasts of just one or two digestive enzymes, this product has an incredible eight in all. That’s the most we’ve ever seen in a protein powder.

Let’s rattle them off:

• Glycoamylase: It breaks off a glucose molecule from starch or maltose and turns the molecule into a usable form of energy.
• Amylase: An enzyme found in human saliva which breaks down starch and coverts it into maltose.
• Lipase: This enzyme helps break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Protease: An enzyme which breaks down protein into amino acids. According to the April 22, 2004 issue of Journal of Sports Sciences (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov), “Protease supplementation may also facilitate muscle healing and allow for faster restoration of contractile function after intense exercise.”
• Papain: This is a natural ingredient of papaya which breaks down amino acids further into smaller protein strings. Papain also boosts gut health and ward off inflammation.
• Hemicellulase: A rare bodybuilding digestive enzyme which converts long chains of sugars into energy and the like.
• Cellulase: This enzyme breaks down the cellulose molecule into simple sugars.
• Lactase: An enzyme which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. Lactase is perfect for individuals who are lactose intolerant.

You can clearly see NutraKey Whey Optima’s digestive enzyme is the class of protein supplements. No competitor comes close. When you consume this product, you will reap the full benefits of its ingredients. That bodes well for your muscle-building and overall fitness goals. No question.

While NutraKey Whey Optima excelled in its protein and digestive enzyme content, it also features a decent amount of calcium (15 percent of the daily value). This mineral helps strengthen bones, boost heart health, regulate blood pressure levels, and ward off free radicals.

Unfortunately, this product has a high cholesterol amount at 18 percent of the daily value. Plus, it has sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda), an artificial sweetener which may increase weight gain.

NutraKey Whey Optima may have several chinks, but it’s still a worthy addition to any bodybuilding supplement stack.

Let’s check out the formula ingredients:

• Calories, 130: NutraKey Whey Optima’s 130 calories per serving is right on the industry average for protein supplements at 100-150 calories per scoop.
• Total fat, 2 g: This protein supplement has minuscule fat content at just three percent of the daily value.
• Saturated fat, 1 g: NutraKey Whey Optima’s one gram of saturated fat per scoop accounts for just five percent of the daily value.
• Cholesterol, 55 mg: NutraKey Whey Optima has a high cholesterol amount at 18 percent of the daily value. If you are monitoring your cholesterol intake, please consult your doctor before buying NutraKey Whey Optima.
• Total carbohydrate, 5 g: This is a low-carb protein supplement at a measly two percent of the daily value. On that note, NutraKey Whey Optima is a perfect complement to any low-carb nutrition plan.
• Sugars, 2 g: The manufacturer keeps this product’s sugar content to reasonable limits at just two grams per scoop.
• Protein, 23 g: NutraKey Whey Optima’s Whey Protein Blend features whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey protein hydrolysate. Its protein content is equal to a solid 46 percent of the daily value.
• Calcium, 150 mg: This product has solid calcium content at 15 percent of the daily value. This mineral helps regulate blood pressure levels, boost heart health, strengthen bones, and keep free radicals at bay.
• Sodium, 260 mg: NutraKey Whey Optima’s has average sodium content at 11 percent of the daily value. If you are monitoring your sodium intake, consult your doctor before buying this supplement.
• Potassium, 35 mg: This product has minuscule potassium content at just one percent of the daily value.

Formula Analysis

The so-called “Premium Protein Complex” certainly has its share of strengths. However, it didn’t blow us away. Nonetheless, it’s special in its own right.

We start things off with the 23 grams of protein per 35-gram scoop. That much, which is equal to a solid 46 percent of the daily value, should help you build muscle mass and repair muscle tissue after a strenuous workout.

NutraKey Whey Optima is one of the few protein supplements which features three kinds of whey: WPI, WPC, and whey protein hydrolysate. Like we said, if you can’t decide among the three, this product is your best bet.

If you’re lactose intolerant and are wary of the WPC component, don’t fret: NutraKey Whey Optima has lactase. This enzyme should help you break down lactose. If you’re still iffy, consult your doctor before buying this product.

We also love NutraKey Whey Optima’s Digestive Enzyme Complex, which has eight digestive enzymes in all. Many competitors feature just one or two. This supplement takes the high road. As a result, you’re sure to reap the full benefits of its ingredients.

As for the Essential Fatty Acid Matrix, don’t get too excited about it: this product’s total fat content is equal to a paltry three percent of the daily value. Consuming good fats to boost overall health is great, but this amount won’t cut it. Try getting these from fish, nuts, avocados, or a good fish oil supplement instead.

Consuming a protein supplement such as NutraKey Whey Optima can help shorten recovery time.

The extra amount of calcium is also a great bonus. Fifteen percent of the daily value should help improve cardiovascular function, promote healthy blood pressure levels, and strengthen bones.

We also salute the manufacturer for excellent transparency – you won’t find any shady proprietary blends in NutraKey Whey Optima. We give that a huge thumbs up.

Customers have also been raving about NutraKey Whey Optima. Not only does it taste great, but it also helped them achieve their fitness goals. We’re sure you’ll love these benefits, too.

On the flip side, this protein supplement has high cholesterol content (18 percent of the daily value) and fairly high sodium content (11 percent of the daily value). If these gnaw at you, try getting your doctor’s opinion before buying NutraKey Whey Optima.

This product also contains sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda), an artificial sweetener which experts have linked to obesity. Stevia, a natural sweetener, which helps regulate blood pressure levels, would have been the better option.

Finally, the price is slightly expensive at $49.00 for a two-lb. container and $97.00 for a five-lb. container.

Nevertheless, NutraKey Whey Optima is still a good protein supplement. We can only hope the manufacturer irons out the kinks sooner than later.

NutraKey Whey Optima Benefits

NutraKey Whey Optima has the following benefits, per its official website:

• Boats of a great taste
• Contains natural digestive enzymes
• Features essential fatty acids

We agree with all of these claims. NutraKey Whey Optima’s features make it a special protein supplement worth sizing up.

Who Takes It?

The manufacturer intended NutraKey Whey Optima for healthy and active individuals who want to build muscle mass, shorten recovery time, meet their daily protein requirements, and achieve their daily fitness goals.

Any Side Effects?

NutraKey Whey Optima contains 18 percent of the daily value for cholesterol, which is a high amount. It also has a fairly high sodium amount at 11 percent of the daily value.

This supplement also contains sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda), an artificial sweetener which may increase weight gain.

If these, or any other ingredient, make you feel doubtful, please consult your physician before buying this product.

NutraKey Whey Optima Review Summary

Pros

• Twenty-three grams of protein per scoop. Equal to a solid 46 percent of the daily value.
• Digestive Enzyme Complex. Features an insane eight digestive enzymes. No competitor comes close.
• Solid calcium content. Fifteen percent of the daily value.
• Excellent transparency. Manufacturer breaks down all of the ingredient amounts.
• Great taste and reputation. Customers have sung its praises.
• Flavor options. Comes in Chocolate Lava Cake, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cup, and Vanilla Ice Cream Cookie varieties.

Cons

• High in cholesterol. Eighteen percent of the daily value.
• Farily high in sodium. Eleven percent of the daily value.
• Sucralose content. Artificial sweetener which may increase weight gain.
• Pricey. $49. 00 for a two-lb. container and $97.00 for a five-lb. container.

Pricing & Where to Buy

• 1 two-lb. Container (30-Day Supply): $49.00
• 1 five-lb. Container (64-Day Supply): $97.00
• Available online and in retail