Quadraplex of four highly absorbable, efficiently metabolized proteins to support lean muscle mass.

Think protein is just for bodybuilders? Think again. Protein is critical for building cells and promoting lean muscle mass, which is the body's furnace where calories are burned. The more lean mass you have, the more calories you can burn. Protein is also needed for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells, including those in muscles. It's also important for immune function and for the production of enzymes, hormones and DNA. Your body produces protein from amino acids, but strenuous activity can lower the supply of these nutrients needed for building muscles. If you don't replenish your supply of amino acids, the rebuilding process will suffer.

Now, utilizing key amino acid technology, Quad-Plex can give you a powerful quadraplex of four highly absorbable, efficiently metabolized proteins to support lean muscle mass. Quad-Plex combines Ultimate Performance's exclusive Promune™ whey protein concentrate plus whey, soy and milk protein isolates in a delicious drink mix. Patented Promune is a high-quality protein that supports muscle synthesis, maintenance and repair.* We've enhanced this formula even more by including three additional types of protein, because the amino acid mix -- the number, type and proportion of amino acids -- determines the quality and biological value of protein.

With 22 grams of protein per serving, this delicious, nutrient-rich shake provides needed amino acids to muscles after an intense workout to maintain a positive protein balance for the anabolic (meaning building up) support you need! And, it's fortified with L-glutamine, lycine, taurine, glycine and branched-chain amino acids that are important for muscle building.*

Enjoy the benefits of a high-protein drink by supplementing your diet with just 120 calories -- and every scoop packs 50 percent of Daily Values for 13 vitamins and minerals. Plus, Quad-Plex easily mixes in a blender or shaker cup so you can drink and go in just minutes. Available in delicious vanilla.

RESEARCH BRIEF

The human body contains tens of thousands of different kinds of proteins. These proteins are constantly being broken down into amino acids and recycled. They are even oxidized to provide energy (1 gram of protein provides 4 calories, the same as carbohydrate). To perform daily metabolic activities, we need daily intake of top-quality proteins. Complete proteins contain all the amino acids we need in the portions necessary for good health. Incomplete proteins lack one or more essential amino acids (those that the body cannot synthesize and that must be obtained from the diet). It's important to know, too, that proteins can complement one another. When a food lacking a specific essential amino acid is eaten with another food that supplies the missing amino acid, the result is a high-quality protein.

What determines the quality or the biological value of protein?

The amino-acid mix; specifically, the number, type and proportion of amino acids. Quad-Plex has been scientifically formulated with four highly absorbable, efficiently metabolized proteins to support lean muscle tissue and meet protein needs.* Intense workouts are known to have a profound effect on intracellular levels of amino acids, which need to be replaced or performance will suffer. Muscles require amino acids for energy and as building blocks for the synthesis of new protein, which is required to build lean muscle mass.

FAQs

Q. Is this a meal substitute?
A. No, this product is not a meal substitute. It may be used to supplement a meal if more protein is desired.

Q. Can I have this for breakfast?
A. This high-protein shake would be a useful addition to a normal breakfast, especially if you're considering a vigorous workout that morning. However, it does not supply enough calories by itself to provide a complete breakfast.

Q. Can I give this to my teenager?
A. This product has been formulated for adults over 18 years of age.

Q. What is the difference between BodySynergy™ Meal Replacement Drink Mix and this product?
A. BodySynergy Meal Replacement Drink Mix offers a nutritious alternative to a meal for people on a weight loss plan. The protein drink is a dietary supplement that is formulated to provide a nutrient- rich, high-quality protein supplement to people whose lifestyles demand extra protein.

Q. Will this increase my muscle mass even if I don't workout?
A. While adequate protein is critical to building lean muscle mass, a regular fitness routine is also required. It is well documented that muscles can atrophy from lack of use. A consistent workout routine, at least three to five times a week, is recommended for best results.

Q. List the major ingredients and describe what they do.
A. This drink contains four types of protein: Promune whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate and milk protein isolate. These proteins are known to have high biological activity, i.e., they are known to keep moving into tissue, replacing that which has been lost. The amino acid blend (L-glutamine, taurine, L-lysine, L-glycine, valine, isoleucine and leucine) is desirable for athletes as an energy source as well as anabolic ("building up") agents. The branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) appear to be "nitrogen-sparing" agents, which help preserve lean muscle mass.

Q. Are there artificial sweeteners in this product?
A. The sweeteners in this product are both natural and artificial. Fructose is natural; acesulfame-K is artificial.

Q. When is the best time to take protein?
A. It's good to divide your protein intake evenly throughout the day. Some fitness experts recommend you eat five small meals a day. If you're working out and increasing your requirements, then a protein drink either before or after your workout can be beneficial. Either way, protein is critical in giving hard-working muscles the nutrients they need to repair, rebuild and grow.

REFERENCES

Lemon, P.W.R. Dietary protein requirements in athletes. Nutritional Biochemistry. 1997 Feb.; 8:52-60. Grimble, R.F., et al. Immunonutrition: role of sulfur amino acids, related amino acids and polyamines. Nutrition. 1998; 14:605-610. Fuller, M.F., et al. Human amino acid requirements: Can the controversy be resolved? Annu. Rev. Nutr. 1994; 14:217-41