Fitness public feels the rise in whey protein prices; learn how to replace

With the cooling of the coronavirus pandemic, the marombeiros or the fitness group, as they are known, returned to the gyms. And to boost the results of training, many turn to protein supplements, such as whey protein. In recent months, however, they have felt the increase in the prices of these products in their pockets compared to previous years.

The market for dietary supplements for physical activity practitioners has grown 46% in Brazil in the last five years, according to Euromonitor International, a market research provider. In 2016, this sector was valued at 1.3 million reais, rising to 1.8 million in 2021. It is still expected to grow 7.2% by 2026.

Student Pedro Vilela, 21, from Belo Horizonte (MG), says that, in 2021, he bought an 800-gram pack of a well-known brand of whey for less than R$100, but today the same product costs between R$120 and R$100. $140.

What really scared consumers, though, was the value of creatine.

“The increase in creatine was different because it was always a cheaper supplement. Mine is not over yet, but my whey is and I am discouraged to buy another one because it is very expensive”, regrets Pedro.

Management trainee Samuel Granoski dos Santos,19 from São Leopoldo (RS), paid a maximum of R$70 and today he finds it for twice the price or even more.

“For me, it weighed a lot because I always buy both together. They ran out recently and I decided to replace only the creatine”, informs Samuel.

The complaint is no accident. In addition to the impact of the crisis that is affecting all sectors of the economy, the increase in prices is also related to the lack of raw materials. Growth Supplements, a supplier to the sector in Brazil, says that the market has not escaped this scenario.

“The price is linked to numerous points that have increased, whether the price of sea freight, or the increase in the price of raw materials, which was directly affected by shortages and global inflation”, he says, in a note.

According to nutritionist and sports doctor Carlos Alberto Werutsky, director of Abran (Brazilian Association of Nutrology), protein supplements, by definition, are made up of proteins of high biological value.

There are several types on the market and each one has a specific function. Whey, for example, is produced from the protein extracted from whey and is intended to repair muscle fiber damage after training.

Creatine, in turn, is used to restore muscle energy reserve. “It constitutes phosphocreatine, which is transformed into ATP, a molecule rich in energy”, explains Werutsky.

Collagen, on the other hand, repairs damage to cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It is usually related to improving the appearance of the skin, nails and hair, as it is a protein that naturally does this work in our body.

Nutritionist Karin Marin, from ABNE (Brazilian Association of Sports Nutrition), warns, however, that there is no scientific proof of the benefits of collagen-based supplements.

“Even though collagen is widely publicized for its aesthetic appeal, it is important to emphasize that research is still inconclusive, as there are methodological limitations that make it impossible to clarify the real effects of its consumption”, warns Marin.

Do I need to consume supplements to gain mass?

The main consumers of this type of product are sportsmen and gym goers. But experts warn that use is not mandatory to build muscle or lose weight.

“Culturally, it is believed that people who exercise need to be concerned primarily with the consumption of protein, which is not true”, reports the nutritionist from ABNE.

The myth revolves around its function, which is also to promote the maintenance and increase of muscle mass. But if the consumption of other nutrients is not carried out properly, the building function of protein is impaired.

“In order to have a good performance in any sport, it is necessary to have an adequate diet in general”, completes Marin.

In general, those who need supplements are individuals who cannot meet their daily need with food alone.

Werutsky, director of Abran, also recalls that the follow-up of a specialist is extremely important to define whether the use is necessary and which supplement is appropriate. “Whoever is going to start consumption needs the guidance of a nutritionist or nutritionist because there is a right time and dose, and also to choose the specific type of supplement”, he advises.

Can I replace supplements in food?

Experts reiterate that mandatory supplementation must be evaluated individually. With the exception of cases where there is actually a need, it is fully possible to replace it with common everyday foods. In fact, that should be the priority.

“Supplements have to be used to complement food and not replace it,” says Werutsky.

That’s what Samuel has done during the crisis. He says he’s been trying to replace the grams that a whey meter provided with egg and chicken proteins, which he doesn’t consider an easy task.

“To beat the measure of a meter I need to eat five eggs. For those who already eat a lot on the diet in order to gain muscle mass, it is complicated to have to ingest heavy protein to compensate”, he says.

The nutritionist or nutrologist can help in this quantitative assessment, even to adjust according to the patient’s reality, says Werutsky . “The total amount of protein a person would need during the day is around 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight.

With the rise in prices, it is important to be careful not to buy supplements that are not approved by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency. These products are usually sold at a lower price, especially on the internet.