Interview with Dr. Weaver, creator of Monster V Protein

Alex: Why did you develop Bovine Albumin or as we are calling it Monster V?

Dr. Weaver.
Knowing what I do, a friend of mine asked me “what is the best protein?” The question originally came from a guy who was 6’8”, 270 lbs and reportedly less than 10% body fat undergoing heavy training. Alex, all of your customers know that the question is a little naïve. Even the well-informed may say whey protein without giving any other needs of the body any further thought. The answer is that one protein source does not meet all of the nutritional and functional needs of the body, particularly under stress. So, what did we have for this guy? We had knowledge that the best protein source in nature, serum albumin, was not available to athlete’s and their trainers, and also no product existed like it. Albumin is the currency of the body’s economy. It transports nutrients in the body, supplies all of the essential amino acids, and detoxifies. What better protein source is there for a base than for someone working out than one the body uses? As a company, we purify a pharmaceutical-grade bovine serum albumin for use in research labs and diagnostic test kits but it sells for >$300 per kg. It took us a decade of research but we now have the cost down to a point where the nutrition industry can utilize this protein.

Alex::What is Bovine Serum Albumin?

Dr. Weaver: It is a albumin-rich, >80% protein concentrate purified from bovine serum. It is a truly new, high-quality protein source. Unlike traditional sources of protein such as casein or whey, Bovine Albumin is rich in naturally occurring, bioactive proteins and peptides principally albumin. Edwin Cohn, a scientist during WWII, developed a process to purify albumin from plasma. The administration of the purified albumin to wounded soldiers in the field maintained blood volume and saved lives. In years that followed, many other functions for the proteins and peptides in plasma became known including albumin. A decade of research and technological advancements led to the proprietary processes for the manufacture of bovine albumin.

Alex:: Is there science to support the use of Bovine Albumin?

Dr. Weaver: If the processing technology would have existed, this product should have been launched many years ago because the basic science behind the product is strong. The amino acid composition and digestibility of albumin as well as the functional benefits of albumin for nutrient transport, osmotic effects, detoxification, and the bioactive peptides are so strong. The amino acid pattern complements other protein sources such as whey, casein, and soy protein. The synergy with whey is so strong that a balanced mixture of whey protein and bovine albumin will meet the amino acid needs of the body with 20% less protein consumed than with whey or albumin concentrate alone. The basis for development of bovine albumin is the knowledge that serum is the gold-standard of all natural substances in supporting cell growth and proliferation. Human cells thrive when the media contains bovine serum. Last, the functional protein technology is proven in animal studies. The concept of bovine albumin is founded on more than 50 studies that have been published in animal sciences demonstrating that plasma protein supplementation, promotes growth, particularly lean tissue growth.

Alex: What does bovine albumin do?

Dr. Weaver: Bovine Albumin is the first and only plasma-derived protein source in the nutrition industry rich in undenatured bovine serum albumin, a protein 66kD in size, the most prevalent protein in serum. The most important differentiating factor in Bovine albumin is the lack of denaturation of. Denatured proteins, unless there is severe heat damage and browning reactions, can still be good quality protein sources but they lose their functionality and bioactivity. Research in the ‘80s found that the albumin content of undenatured whey helped restore the glutathione levels, even though undenatured whey protein contamins only 3-5% albumin. Bovine albumin is greater than 70% albumin. As a biological material, we have to take great care in collection and processing to avoid potential contaminants. High-quality raw material allows us to use proprietary processes that do not denature the proteins and peptides. Athlete’s under stress need detoxification to prevent inflammation.(Jeukendrup et al. 47-55) Bovine albumin provides essential amino acids in a pattern the body utilizes efficiently, transports nutrients, and promotes detoxification.

Alex:: How does Bovine albumin compare to other proteins?

Dr. Weaver: Protein comparisons based on amino acid pattern, such as BV, PDCAAS, etc, are important to categorize high quality proteins such as albumin or whey from lesser quality vegetable proteins such as wheat gluten or soy but they are not the only measuring stick for proteins. The large size of the protein and excellent amino acid pattern typical of high-quality animal and dairy proteins makes it an ideal choice as a slow protein. Bovine albumin is a protein source with neutral taste, excellent solubility, and similar price to egg albumen. Proteins like albumin, casein and whey can be used as sole sources of dietary protein due to a highly available, balanced, essential amino acid profile. Traditional procedures for comparisons do not account for functional benefits of proteins which promote amino acid utilization. So, comparing Bovine albumin to other proteins on the basis of amino acid patterns take the focus off the goal of the bodybuilder, which is optimizing performance. The structure and function of proteins in Bovine albumin are maintained so it is a great choice in situations where stress is highest. Ideally, Bovine albumin should be combined with whey, egg or other high quality protein sources, based on amino acid needs and levels of stress on the body to optimize performance. The large, complex structure of Bovine albumin slows the rate of digestion, which allows for greater biological activity and amino acid utilization. The greater the stress on the body, the more I would turn to Bovine albumin.

Alex:: How should Bovine albumin be used?

Dr. Weaver: Bovine albumin should be incorporated into protein powders, bars or beverages at a rate of 25% of the protein in the product or to deliver 25 g of Bovine albumin per day. It can be used in both post-workout (fast-digestion) and meal replacement (slow digestion) products. We believe it has application for both resistance and endurance exercise because of the positive effects on protein utilization. Methionine is the limiting amino acid in Bovine albumin. For optimum results, Bovine albumin should be a part of a complete, balanced nutritional program. Only 42 g of a blend of Bovine albumin with whey protein meets the amino acid needs of adults, the lowest amount of any protein source.

Alex: Someone might be intimidated to take a supplement that is bovine sourced, especially considering it’s a serum product, how do you maintain the safety of the product?

Dr. Weaver: That’s interesting considering the number of steaks consumed in American each day. Seriously though, our product might be safer than the steak and salad you ate last night for dinner, or the milk your kids drank this morning with breakfast. First of all the raw materials used in the manufacturing of albumin concentrate, are collected in USDA-inspected facilities and approved for use in food products. All donor animals receive a pre and post mortem inspection from a USDA certified veterinarian to ensure the health of the animal. The purification of albumin concentrate takes place in a closed loop system, which prevents against contamination. The facility itself is compliant with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food products. To eliminate the risk of mad cow disease (BSE), only U.S. beef cattle are used in the production of albumin concentrate. The final product must meet more stringent internal quality standards than the standards for ingredients used in infant formula. Using centrifugation, pH adjustments, and spray drying techniques; we are able to manufacture an extremely safe product without denaturing the protein. Truthfully, there is more left to chance in the steak your eating for dinner: is it fresh? Was it cooked appropriately? Where did the meat come from? If your worried about the safety of our product consider changing your diet completely.

Alex: Thanks for your time Dr. Weaver, now lets go have some of that good Iowa Steak and corn
Dr. Weaver: Let’s shall we!!



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Reference List

1. Brenner IK, Natale VM, Vasiliou P, Moldoveanu AI, Shek PN, Shephard RJ. Impact of three different types of exercise on components of the inflammatory response. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol Occup.Physiol 1999;80:452-60.
2. Jeukendrup AE, Vet-Joop K, Sturk A et al. Relationship between gastro-intestinal complaints and endotoxaemia, cytokine release and the acute-phase reaction during and after a long-distance triathlon in highly trained men. Clin Sci (Colch.) 2000.Jan.;98.(1.):47.-55.98:47-55.
3. MacIntyre DL, Reid WD, McKenzie DC. Delayed muscle soreness. The inflammatory response to muscle injury and its clinical implications. Sports Med. 1995;20:24-40.
4. Mackinnon LT. Chronic exercise training effects on immune function. Med.Sci Sports Exerc.2000.Jul.;32.(7.Suppl.):S369.-76.32:S369-S376.

I cut off the other references because of allotted space...if anyone wants the other let me know.....

Thanks for posting that interview, Alex. Let me ask you a couple of questions.

Dr. Weaver: Bovine albumin should be incorporated into protein powders, bars or beverages at a rate of 25% of the protein in the product or to deliver 25 g of Bovine albumin per day. It can be used in both post-workout (fast-digestion) and meal replacement (slow digestion) products. We believe it has application for both resistance and endurance exercise because of the positive effects on protein utilization. Methionine is the limiting amino acid in Bovine albumin. For optimum results, Bovine albumin should be a part of a complete, balanced nutritional program. Only 42 g of a blend of Bovine albumin with whey protein meets the amino acid needs of adults, the lowest amount of any protein source.


Looking at the last sentence, I have a question. I always thought that the PROTEIN itself was what produced lean muscle, but is it actually the amino acids that produce muscle? I know that AA's are the building blocks of protein, so did I have it wrong all these years??? And is Dr. Weaver saying that protein shakes with only 42 gms. of protein will do the trick to grow muscle? I'm assuming that means 3-4 shakes/day for bodybuilders, correct?

Second, any idea what the price will be? I'm almost afraid to ask.

Protein is made up of amino acids, Protein=amino acids. Dr. Weaver is saying a combination of whey protein and bovine albumin will have the best amino acid profile than taking just 100% bovine albumin or 100% whey protein. I would say take 2 servings of 25% bovine albumin and 75% whey concentrate or isolate.

The price is..................only $9.99 per pound. so average priced protein

I'm really surprised by that price, but very happy! I look forward to seeing what combination of 25% bovine and 75% of whey concentrate or isolate you come up with! Would it be wise to use 100% bovine before bedtime?

Alex,
What are the differences between Monster V and Super Plasma?

Here is where the Monster V is made. Right in Iowa.



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ALCON,
Excellent info ... thanks for sharing it with the site Alex and Dr. Weaver.

KPD,
I'm not Alex but I plan on further investigating the info here on the site to better surmise the differences between the Super Plasma and the new Bovine Albumin. I can say this ... the new Bovine Albumin has a somewhat "bad" taste to it (per Alex) while the Super Plasma doesn't (per my own experiences with it). Not exactly sure why, but that is one big difference between the two.

Alex,
In order to better answer KPD's / my own questions, could you please get a copy of Monster V's 100g Amino Acid profile and then add it to the Monster V Suppliment Facts tab?

Much appreciated in advance bro.

Job561

Could you do 45/45 of the two or 50/50 than add just a little whey just to make it complete.

50/50 between Super Plasma and Bovine Albumin ... if you order that, you ought to change your Protein Factory online name to Count Bovine-u-la !!!

Seriously ... if you wanted to go to a total "Bovine Plasma" sourced protein, I don't think I would use more than 20-25% Super Plasma, simply because I seem to experience a point of "dimishing returns" somewhere near 20. I've experimented with custom mixes using 10%, 15%, 20, and 30% over the past year, and really so no difference in my physique, strength, or health levels when I went to the 30% level.

As for using that much Bovine Albumin in a mix, Alex said that the protein tastes pretty bad. Why don't you buy yourself a 5 lb bag of his Monster Mix, a seperate pound of Super Plasma, mix em together and see how that goes?

OMG, I can not imagine a Super Plasma and Bovine Albumin shake...the thought of it sends chills down my spine!