Sales of Protein Mixtures Increased

The FINANCIAL — Protein mixtures can be harmful to the health, causing a metabolic disorder, the development of allergic reactions, kidney and liver function disturbance – even failure. Carcinogenic effects have also been recorded, Qeti Beridze, dietician, Doctor of Medicine, told The FINANCIAL.

If you rely on supplements, you’ll miss out on getting as much dietary fibre and as many natural and protective substances – such as phytochemicals and antioxidants – that you would have obtained by eating protein-rich whole foods. You may be subject to developing kidney problems because the kidneys are involved in breaking down protein.

Nutriton Georgia, which provides protein mixtures and other biologically active food supplements, reports an increase in sales. “Our consumers are mostly sports beginners as well as ordinary consumers who are not exercising,” Natia Lomidze, consultant at Nutriton Georgia, told The FINANCIAL. “Sales of protein mixtures have increased by 40% compared with the previous year,” she said.

“The sales of protein mixtures are increasing month to month by a minimum of 30-50%,” Vaja Imnadze, Director of Goliati.ge, online retailer of protein mixtures, told The FINANCIAL.

“In general, for people who are living and eating properly and healthily, any food additive is not needed, even if they are engaged in amateur or professional sports,” Qeti Beridze, dietician, Doctor of Medicine, told The FINANCIAL.

“In terms of professional sport, a protein mixture is used to increase muscle mass regulation. In such cases there should be a coach who prescribes the protein mixture in consultation with both a doctor and dietician. This kind of mixture is prescribed with respect to an athlete’s training load, feeding regime and diet, relaxation regime, with set goals and objectives in mind. Otherwise, protein mixtures, as well as drinking any other biologically active additives, can threaten a human’s health. Also there could be possible doping effects,” Qeti Beridze said.

“In this regard, it is impossible to give general advice. In each particular case there should be dose determination of the mixture, and also of use of the product, (which is largely dependent on, among other things, the nature of the load), otherwise it can turn into a hazard for the health,” she added.