As an athlete, there is documented evidence that we need more protein than a sedentary individual (resource). And, if you’re a regular here, you know I’m way into protein, protein powder’s for women, and in general good health. With that in mind, I accepted a product review from GNC’s new line of fitness products for women called be-buff Protein and Fiber complex.
At a glance, this product seems like a good one. It’s designed to help women look leaner (more buff) and we all want that, right? With a combination of 15 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber- it should help you feel fuller longer and help you regulate your system with that added bonus of 3 grams of Sunfiber. Except, when I tried it, it added extra trips to the restroom!!
From the website:
Other Ingredients: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate), Sunfiber Hydrolyzed Guar Gum, Calcium Carbonate, BioCore Edge™ (Protease [from Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus mellus] and Peptidase [Aspergillus oryzae]), Salt, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Sucralose, Lecithin, Natural and Artificial Flavors (Corn Syrup Solids, Silicon Dioxide, gum acacia, Modified Food Starch), Gum Blend (Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum)
Warning: USE THIS PRODUCT AS A FOOD SUPPLEMENT ONLY. DO NOT USE AS A SOLE SOURCE OF NUTRITION FOR WEIGHT LOSS OR WEIGHT MAINTENANCE.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
What’s my thoughts on the product?
I have several reservations that will keep me from recommending it to you.
Number 1- the protein (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, soy protein, and calcium casinate) seems like a random mix of all the varieties of proteins you can buy all in one. And, I’m wondering how effective that would be. I’ve read multiple studies on how whey protein isolate is the best source of protein for a post workout smoothie (resource). Basically you get the most for your protein buck by sticking with whey protein isolate. Soy protein, I’ve read, is better for during workouts or before.
Number 2- I don’t understand what Sunfiber is or why you need it other than to make you poop. Wouldn’t it be easier to eat a cup of beans and a cup of celery to get the necessary fiber in our diets in a natural way?
Number 3- there are a number of ingredients here that I don’t have an understanding of- such as what is aspergillus niger or aspergillus mellus?
Number 4- keep out of reach of children. This is not good. I like to make smoothies in our house and offer them to my kids. It’s a quick and easy way to get more fruits and veggies in them and I always use a scoop of protein powder…this one says that it’s not recommended for children. Why?
Finally, a good protein powder will have fewer than five ingredients and you will know what each of them are and you shouldn’t have to be a scientist to figure out what each ingredient is!
Readers, what do you think?
What’s your thoughts on this product? Do you have a favorite protein powder that you use regularly?
Disclaimer: Just remember, I ‘m not a nutritionist, just a mom who is questioning the value and reasoning behind this product.
15 responses so far ↓
1 ttfn300 // Aug 3, 2009 at 9:04 pm
umm, that doesn’t sound like good stuff! i’ve been using jay robb recently b/c i got it on sale…
.-= ttfn300´s last blog ..SheROX Danskin NE 2009 =-.
2 RunToFinish // Aug 3, 2009 at 9:44 pm
keep out of reach of children…eeeiik I’m not sure I want that in my body either
.-= RunToFinish´s last blog ..Gluten Free Life Winners!!!! =-.
3 deb // Aug 5, 2009 at 2:27 pm
This product sounds like something designed in the marketing department then made in the lab, instead of the other way around. There is not enough protein for me (I prefer 20+ grams), a strange mix of proteins and too many other ingredients.
Aspirgillus, according to wikipedia, is a black mold. I could find no good reason to add it to a food, except some minor reference that it binds to one form of glucose -which might keep your blood sugar from spiking and reduce adipose tissue. But not enough documentation for me to use it.
Overall, a product I’ll pass on.
.-= deb´s last blog ..I Am What I Eat =-.
4 Michele // Aug 26, 2009 at 12:38 am
I picked this up today to try it. The asperger crap is supposed to help as a digestive to add good flora to the inner reaches if you know what I mean. I wonder why they say keep out of childen’s reach, heck most kids are not going for mom’s protein mix mistaking it for nestle quick or anything…lol. Since I’m a little sluggish in the out department I’m interested to see how it tastes and if I’ll need to add ginger or something else to make sure my tummy isn’t upset. I try to do a smoothie in the am and one before bed. I am still going to have to add more vitamin d so I probably won’t buy this again. Has anyone tried Unjury for protein???
5 Caludia Gobera // Nov 17, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I bought:
the GNC WELLbeING® be-HOT™ Exercise Enhancing Turbopak™
GNC WELLbeING® be-BUFF™ Protein & Fiber Complex Mix
GNC WELLbeING® be-FULFILLED™ Weight Management Shake
GNC WELLbeING® be-NOURISHED™ Nutritional Bar
as a program at a reatail store, to start a Diet, but nobody seems to know how to use the system, is there a guidance on how to use the products? more than the ¨take one cap daily¨ that comes in the label? you know, like a diet plan, what to do or not to do? I exercise 3-4 days a week, cardio stuff, but kind of lost on how to combine this and the food…. anyone?
Thanks!!
6 scape // Dec 15, 2009 at 6:08 pm
i’ve tried unjury. i find it’s fantastic and has great results
7 becky hebert // Feb 17, 2010 at 3:29 am
I am wondering if anyone has tried the Safely slim product rom GNC and if so how did they like it and most important.. did it work?
8 Jess // May 3, 2010 at 6:53 am
Over hyped products are all over the internet. Especially in the weight loss market because it’s so huge, people are trying to get a quick fix to lose weight with out exercising, perhaps that’s why these products are so appealing..
9 Jess // May 3, 2010 at 6:55 am
I haven’t found a good powder yet.
.-= Jess´s last blog ..Is There Really An Anti Cellulite Cream That Works? =-.
10 Jill // May 13, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I recently just started taking the Be Buff Protein & Fiber Shake once a day and my stomach has been killing me. I’ve been bloated like never before and can’t seem to get over it. I’ve been popping GasX like candy, still feel bloated, and have discontinued use of this product. Very dissapointing.
11 lina latartara // Jun 17, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I have been using Be-Buff from GNC for over a month. All I can say, it’s fantastic.
I believe it stands up to everything it says it does.
I drink it in the morning and after every spinning workout. It keeps me satisfied and alleviates the urge to overeat.
Having the extra fiber is also a bonus, because sometimes there is not enough time to prepare veggies.
I highly recommend!!!!
12 topazgirl // Jul 8, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I wanted to comment on the issue regarding not giving this to kids. I think they are referring it to using as a serving for kids. A child’s protein needs are based on body size as well as age. The average 24-month-old weighs 26 to 28 pounds and needs 16 grams of protein each day. This product contains about 15 grams of protein per serving, that would be the daily recommendation for a toddler. Also, there are some supplements in the product that children don’t need, for example supplement L-Methionine is an amino acid helps the body process and eliminate fat. Its a product for those who want to lose fat, lose weight, build muscle. For those who work out on a consistent basis, which includes strength training(using weights or resistance bands).
Jill.. unfortunately there are some protein powders that bloat. That is a risk with all protein supplement powders. You could try just using it once a day or switching to another protein powder. Usually, it takes a few weeks for the body to adjust to the new protein and the bloating subsides.
13 jucilene soares pessoa // Dec 30, 2010 at 9:53 pm
como tamar este remedio? podem me falar por hotmail
14 PhriendlyK8 // Apr 17, 2011 at 1:54 pm
I started using “BeBuff” about a week ago. I really like it! It doesn’t make me feel bloated at all. I am already starting to see leaner muscle tone. I already recommended it to my sister.
15 vb // Aug 3, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Sounds good to me. Probably not good for kids because of the fiber content. The other ingredients are herbs and such. go online and read about them. It is all health additions that can only help, and my skin since I have been using it is worth the other stuff I am not familiar with, but thanks for your input…….
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