What is the vitamin/mineral/anti-oxidant levels like in protein shakes?

Hi Lucy

The most significant effect of whey protein - besides the obvious, well-known muscle-repair effects, etc - is that it substantially increases levels of one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, called "glutathione". There have been numerous studies of whey's effects on extending the lifespan of various lab animals and it is one of very few foods and nutrients that can also assist in the breakdown and metabolism of toxins in the body (the vast majority of "detox" diets and supplements that make this claim are not legitimate)...and it is this effect on glutathione that is suspected to be responsible for much of these effects.

So really there is just as much evidence for whey protein improving your antioxidant status and increasing immunity and other positive health outcomes as there is for it building muscle.

However, whilst whey protein is a good source of calcium (which is good because protein is slightly acidic to the system and calcium buffers /reduces the acidity) and it is also high in potassium and low in sodium it should not be used to replace a meal.

Some protein products add various vitamins and minerals but generally, whey should be added to your diet to increase protein levels and not used as a meal replacement. There are other products that have vitamins, minerals, moderate amounts of healthy carbs and fats along with a large dose of protein that are designed as meal replacements for that purpose.

Feel free to ask another new question for advice on these specific types of products if you are interested.