I can't believe this thread is still going. Protein discussion here reminds me of PCT protocols. Everyone thinks theirs is the best,and nothing else will not work..every other option is garbage even if they have never tried it..its ridiculous.
Still kills me to see people questioning protein shakes, or comparing to whole foods intake as if a true athlete is simply going to stop eating food altogether and only consume protein shakes..not only that but generally speaking whole food contains to anyone with a brain, more vitamins, minerals, fats and carbs as well as a significant amount of calories more. If any comparison could be made it should be "meal replacement" shakes versus whole foods.
So let's play devils advocate with the "experts" here... compare pepto pro aka hydrolyzed proteins to whole foods..aka predigested formulas..anyone care to say whole food is better then that?? Where is all the talk of rates of absorption??
Also play it again..lets compare liquid preparations to whole foods. My years in the hospital I saw various formats of liquid protein and nutrition given in various formats to treat sick patients, or patients who otherwise could not eat, and it was considered equally as effective as whole foods by doctors and accredited medical organizations. Also on the pediatrics wards, in addition to real life, doctors often gave babies and children's liquid nutrition, protein preparations as well as baby formula, which also, when need be can come as pre-digested proteins , alimemtum for example, for better absorption, faster absorption. So let me get this straight..the medical community sees liquid nutrition and proteins in liquid forms, as effective and in some cases, and in other cases, more bioavailable and more beneficial to sick patients with poor health and babies who are growing ...but some people here find them to be a "waste of money"?
Studies for years have shown in medical settings that protein in liquid form as well as when additional nutrients are added to it, are equally as beneficial as whole foods. Liquid protein has been shown to be as beneficial as complete proteins that you get from whole foods. Likewise hydrolized proteins, pre-digested proteins have been shown to be more beneficial then whole food protein sources since they are more quickly and easily absorbed with less digestion occurring and they are more bio-available then whole foods.
These are used to treat patients with serious surgeries or wounds because they heal quicker then with whole foods. They are also used to speed the health of patients...this includes in patients who "can" eat and digest whole food.
This is also part of the reason pepto pro and hydrolized proteins are part of intra-workout shakes, because again, absorption times=faster recovery=more growth.
So what is the best protein? The one that you prefer that is high quality, and that you consume on a regular basis in addition to your normal food intake.