Powder supplements present important nutrients in a convenient, cost-effective and versatile form. These powdered products:
- May be added to shakes and smoothies
- Add nutrition to culinary applications
- Present an easy-to-swallow nutrition form
What are Powders?
A powder is a solid substance that has been crushed or pulverized and reduced into free-flowing particle form. Nutritional supplements are often produced by granulating natural substances into fine powders, which are then typically compressed into tablets or used to fill capsules. Some nutrients, however, may be simply be left in their original pulverized form and presented as fine powder supplements. These powder supplements are both cost-effective and versatile: They may be added to shakes, smoothies, beverages and foods. Powders may also be a comfortable and convenient nutritional supplement alternative for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules and pills.
Some types of nutritional supplement that are popularly presented in powder form may include the following:
- Proteins: Among the most commonly used powder supplements are protein powders, which may include varieties like whey protein, casein protein, pea protein, egg white protein, soy protein, hemp protein and brown rice protein. Often used in sports nutrition applications, these supplements mix into convenient protein shakes that can be taken on-the-go.
- Amino Acids: Amino acid nutrients, including BCAA, L-Arginine, L-Lysine, L-Citrulline, taurine and others, are commonly presented in powder form. Since amino acids are valued by athletes and bodybuilders, these powder amino acid supplements are popularly added to the protein shakes and power smoothies that are taken for pre-workout fuel and post-workout recovery.**
- Sports Nutrients: Also used by athletes and bodybuilders during their training are sports nutrition powders, which are easily added to shakes, smoothies, sports drinks and water. In addition to protein and additional amino acids, these sports nutrition powder products may include performance-optimizing compounds like creatine monohydrate, maca powder, AAKG, D-Aspartic acid and others.**
- Greens: Powdered greens can be added to foods and beverages for an instant infusion of health-supportive botanical nutrition.** Matcha green tea, spirulina, wheat grass, barley grass and other whole greens are some of the nutrient-dense foods that can be presented in powdered supplement form.
- Fiber: Fiber supplements, including psyllium husk and inulin, may be found in powdered form that makes it easy to achieve significant intake without having to take many capsules. Some colon cleanse products found in powder form may also supply abundant fiber.
Products
In addition to being a popular nutritional supplement form, powder products may be designed for use in culinary applications, including flours, stevia, cocoa and dextrose; and natural beauty applications, such as bentonite clay for external use and collagen taken internally.
Directions for Use
Before starting any nutritional supplement program, be sure to consult with your doctor. Powder supplements’ directions for use may vary depending on the type of nutrient and potency of formulation. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions found on the label.
