Evidence supporting the use of: Beta-lactoglobulin
For the health condition: Body Building
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Beta-lactoglobulin is the main whey protein in cow’s milk and a major component of whey protein supplements widely used in the bodybuilding community. Its use for bodybuilding is primarily scientifically justified. Beta-lactoglobulin is a rich source of essential amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, which play a significant role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that supplementation with whey protein, which contains beta-lactoglobulin as the primary protein fraction, enhances muscle mass and strength gains when combined with resistance training.
For example, a 2012 meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that whey protein supplementation, when coupled with resistance exercise, resulted in greater increases in fat-free mass and muscle strength compared to placebo or control supplements. While most studies assess whey protein as a whole (rather than isolated beta-lactoglobulin), beta-lactoglobulin’s amino acid profile and fast absorption kinetics are considered key contributors to these effects.
There is limited tradition behind its use for bodybuilding, as its adoption primarily followed the commercialization of whey protein supplements in the late 20th century. Overall, the scientific literature supports the role of whey protein—hence, beta-lactoglobulin—in supporting muscle hypertrophy and recovery in athletes and bodybuilders.
Other ingredients used for Body Building
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
gelatin
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
hydroxycitric acid
l-isoleucine
iron
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-methionine
l-ornithine
l-valine
magnesium
maltodextrin
milk
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protein
almond fruit
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
wheat germ
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
17a-di methyl-bol
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
4-DHEA
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Anti-aromatase
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Ba Ji Tian
banana
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Citrus
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Chicken
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
glucose
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
yohimbine
Zucchini