By John K. Harris

First there have been some questions about the use of either apple or pear concentrate in Proberry 3, as apple juice is an “avoid” for the O nonsecretor. As of the first of the year, only pear concentrate is being used as the base.

Second, the apple pectin, a source of soluble fiber in each of the Protein Blends, is a “neutral” category for all ABO secretors and nonsecretors, and is clearly stated as such in TYPEbase® 3. Apple pectin has been of concern to some people.

Third, the Secretor Wallet Cards (one for each ABO blood type, listing all “beneficials” and “avoids”) are now available for ordering from NAP. Having done the research for them, I have just begun doing the research for the Nonsecretor Wallet Cards. Hopefully we will have these available for you in the next few months. Now, for the Protein Blends.

In the following paragraphs, I’ll give you an overview of the unique formula for each Protein Blend, then look at the value of using whole food protein sources, consider the amino acid profile – particularly the branched-chain amino acids, and then discuss the unique component called Fibersol-2. By the time you finish reading, I think you’ll see why Protein Blends, with their unique, synergistic ingredients, can provide a health-enhancing benefit for people of all ages.

To begin, you can see by looking at the information at The Blood Store, linked from www.dadamo.com, or directly at www.4yourtype.com, or in the latest ‘4 Your Type Journal linked at either site, that Protein Blends are uniquely formulated, ABO-targeted, high protein content powders – Rice Protein and Egg Whites for the O; Soybean Protein Powder, Pea Protein Powder, and Rice Protein Powder for the A; and Whey Protein Concentrate, Rice Protein Powder, and Egg Whites for the B/AB. They have no added sugar, no fillers, are neutral in taste, and contain only pure, non-genetically altered, natural whole food sources.

But what makes them even more unique is that they each have nutrient cofactors such as Larch Arabinogalactan (a prebiotic, source of soluble fiber, and an immune system modulator), Bromelain (a proteolytic digestive enzyme and an anti-inflamatory), Apple Fiber and Pectin (both sources of soluble fiber), Lipoic Acid (a potent antioxidant), and a unique ingredient called Fibersol-2, which provides an additional source of soluble fiber. Beet Juice Powder and Vitamin A Palmitate, Natural Vitamin E Acetate, and Biotin round out the formulas in the A, B/AB, and O Protein Blends respectively.

Next, all protein sources used are from whole foods with their complete matrix of nutrients. In the A Protein Blend this is particularly important, because soy is one of the protein sources. I’ve observed that most other protein powders that use soy as a base, use a soy protein isolate, a concentrated fraction of soy, which boosts the protein value, but which can have a negative effect on certain hormone balances. Also in the A Blend, the level of protein has been kept at 15 grams per serving, rather than the 20 grams in the O and B/AB. As for the whey protein concentrate in the B/AB Blend, it is not the same as an isolate. The entire nutrient matrix is included in the concentrate.

Moving on to the amino acids, here’s a primer. They are the basic building blocks of the body. They carry oxygen throughout the body and are involved in muscle activity, they form antibodies to defend against invading bacteria and viruses, build cells and repair tissue, build nucleoproteins (RNA and DNA), and are part of the hormonal and enzyme systems. When digestion breaks down protein, the result is 22 known amino acids. Eight of them are essential, which means they cannot be manufactured by the body. The rest are nonessential, which means they can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition.

Each of our Protein Blends contains 18 of the 22 known amino acids and all eight of the essential amino acids, and the profile and level of each amino acid is phenomenal. The essential amino acids are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. The nonessential amino acids that our Protein Blends contain are alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acic, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, and tyrosine. It is important to keep in mind that these amino acids are what naturally occur from the whole food protein sources that form the basis for the Blends. They are not manufactured synthetically in a laboratory.

Here’s the amino acid breakdown for each Blend:

For the O Protein Blend (in milligrams): Alanine (1159), Arginine (1602), Aspartic Acid (1558), Cystine (759), Glutamic Acid (2507), Glycine (1052), Histidine (782), Isoleucine (996), Leucine (1511), Lysine (914), Methionine (784), Phenylalanine (1112), Proline (1110), Serine (1160), Threonine (924), Tryptophan (653), Tyrosine (1122), Valine (1055).

For the A Protein Blend (in milligrams): Alanine (717), Arginine (1165), Aspartic Acid (1448), Cystine (359), Glutamic Acid (2211), Glycine (693), Histidine (491), Isoleucine (700), Leucine (1163), Lysine (932), Methionine (357), Phenylalanine (839), Proline (709), Serine (818), Threonine (632), Tryptophan (326), Tyrosine (703), Valine (758).

For the B/AB Protein Blend (in milligrams): Alanine (1109), Arginine (1116), Aspartic Acid (1889), Cystine (607), Glutamic Acid (3066), Glycine (759), Histidine (602), Isoleucine (1098), Leucine (1810), Lysine (1356), Methionine (634), Phenylalanine (844), Proline (1208), Serine (1110), Threonine (1159), Tryptophan (482), Tyrosine (854), Valine (1111).

Now, let’s consider the branched-chain amino acids. Branched-chain amino acids comprise isoleucine, leucine, and valine – all part of the essential amino acid group. This group of amino acids helps to build and maintain muscle mass, and this group is needed during times of physical stress and intense exercise. As you can see from the profiles above, these amino acids are abundantly expressed in each Protein Blend.

As an aside, when I reflect on my first patient visit with Peter more than six years ago, I recall seeing a framed page of health recommendations he had in his office. One of these recommendations was for the use of branched-chain amino acids as a safe way to help build muscle mass. Considering all the sports supplements on the market today designed to help build muscle mass – many with pronounced side effects I’ve observed in a client/customer base in Maine, Protein Blends offer a safe way to help tone your muscles. And for body builders, adding in some of NAP’s Aromastat, might help even more.

Lastly, I think you should know more about the Fibersol-2 component in each of the Protein Blends. Fibersol-2 (also known as “digestive resistant maltodextrin”) is a soluble dietary fiber produced from cornstarch. It is NOT the same as the maltodextrin that is on the “avoid” list for the O secretor and nonsecretor, the A nonsecretor, the B secretor and nonsecretor, and the AB secretor and nonsecretor.

In basic terms, what makes Fibersol-2 different from maltodextrin is that the chemical bonds have been modified via a proprietary process that results in 90% soluble fiber rather than carbohydrate (regular maltodextrin).

In technical terms, Fibersol-2 is a “digestive resistant maltodextrin” produced by purposeful rearrangement of starch or hydrolyzed starch to convert a portion of the normal alpha-1,4 glucose linkages to random 1,2-,1,3-, and 1,4- alpha or beta linkages. The human digestive system effectively digests only alpha 1,4-linkages, therefore the other linkages render the molecule resistant to digestion.

About now, you’re probably wondering about the cornstarch source. Well, there are no corn lectins nor are there any corn residuals remaining from the original cornstarch source in Fibersol-2.

So why was it included in Protein Blends? In the U.S. nearly all people consume only half the recommended daily amount of fiber, which is approximately 25-35 grams. Protein Blend contains a modest amount of Fibersol-2 (as well as the other soluble fiber sources I’ve mentioned) to help fill this gap and to support overall intestinal health.

Additionally, Fibersol-2 has been shown to improve intestinal microflora, increase fecal volume and intestinal regularity, maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract, prevent intestinal mucosal atrophy due to the long term administration of enteral nutrition (direct infusion into the intestines of nutrients in liquid form), increase Bifidobacterium in the large intestine, reduce the postprandial (after a meal) rise in glucose levels, lower serum cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels while not reducing HDL-cholesterol levels, and decrease fat in internal organs.

Furthermore, Fibersol-2 has low viscosity, is quickly and completely soluble, is completely transparent, has a clean taste, and maintains its stability in varying acidic conditions. For these reasons, Dr. D’Adamo has included it in each Protein Blend.

To recap, I’ve given you an overview of the formula for each Protein Blend, discussed the value of using whole food protein sources, presented you with their phenomenal amino acid profiles, highlighted the branched-chain amino acid component and its value in helping to build and maintain muscle mass, and defined the incredible benefits of Fibersol-2.

Dr. D’Adamo, in typical fashion, has once again formulated a unique, cutting edge natural product, that, because of demand, we are having a hard time keeping on the shelf at NAP. I think you’ll agree that Protein Blends are in a class by themselves.