Reflex Nutrition 3D Protein

3D Protein is a supplement produced by UK based brand, Reflex Nutrition. This supplement is said to help people gain muscle mass. This review will assess the ingredients listed within this supplement to identify whether these claims can be backed up.

3D Protein® Blend (~96%) (of which Micellar Casein (45%) [MILK], Native Whey Protein (45%) [MILK], EGG White Protein Isolate (10%)), 

Micellar Casein is similar to Calcium Caseinate but does not go through processing with chemicals. It has a thicker taste and is slow to digest meaning a slower release of amino acids. Calcium is a vital part of dietary consumption in order to aid growth and maintenance of bones (1). Other important benefits of calcium include helping blood clotting (2), heart contractions (3), lungs (4) and muscles to function properly (5), this is due to calcium binding with phosphate to create calcium phosphate (6).

Whey Protein is the most popular and widely used protein powder. It is derived from milk and is the watery part that separates when making cheese. 

Unlike some plant based proteins whey protein has all amino acids so there is no need to find them from different sources. Whey protein is quickly absorbed and used in large amounts by your body immediately If you are lactose intolerant it is recommended not to go for whey protein due to bloating, flatulence, stomach ache or even fatigue.

No matter what type of protein, all varieties help aid muscle protein synthesis when combined with resistance training (7, 8). Other key features include increasing muscle mass (9), an increase in lean body mass (10) and greater recovery from exercise (11). Longer periods of supplementation have shown greater gains in fat free mass (12). 

Although these benefits are seen, the efficiency and degree of change can differ significantly depending on the availability of the amino acids. Below lists some of the major types of protein powders available. The recommended amount to consume is around 20 – 30 grams, which can be spread throughout the day (e.g 4-6 x 5g). 

Flavouring, Cocoa Powder (2.5%) (chocolate variety only)

Cocoa powder has been found to include flavonoids which are antioxidants, they can aid in the oxidation of LDL, (13,14) and augments the antioxidant defence system (15). Cocoa powder has also been found to stimulate nitric oxide production which can reduce oxidative stress and reduce the risk of heart attack (16).

Thickener (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)

Carboxymethyl cellulose is water-soluble and derived from cellulose. Carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various supplements and other products. It is known for its excellent water retaining capacity.

Natural Colour Betanin (strawberry variety only)

Natural Colouring adds no nutritional value.

Sweeteners (Sucralose, Stevia)

Sucralose is a sweetener that is calorie free. This ingredient is used in many products and is used to make the product taste sweeter and does not have any nutritional benefit.  

Stevia does not have any nutritional benefits as it is a sweetener and sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana

Natural Colour Beta Carotene (vanilla variety only)

Natural Colouring adds no nutritional value

Multi Component Protected Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB2PRO® (Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus))

Lactic acid bacteria is a probiotic. The health benefits of this ingredient includes regulating bowel movement which prevents diarrhea, lowering cholesterol and gives a boost to the immune system (17).

Flow Agent (Silicon Dioxide)

Silicon Dioxide doesn’t add any nutritional benefits to this supplement. The main reason for silicon dioxide in this supplement is that it aids in the even distribution of the active ingredients in this supplement.

3D Protein can be used by people who want to gain muscle mass. This supplement is best taken either pre/post-workout. This product has no banned substances in reference to the WADA prohibited list when observing the label / ingredients posted on the website..

*NOTE – This product has not been tested in a laboratory and may contain other substances that may not appear on the label  

1 – Harada, S. I., & Rodan, G. A. (2003). Control of osteoblast function and regulation of bone mass. Nature, 423(6937), 349-355.

2 – Bogdanova, A., Makhro, A., Wang, J., Lipp, P., & Kaestner, L. (2013). Calcium in Red Blood Cells—A Perilous Balance. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(5), 9848-9872.

3 – Dhalla, N. S., Pierce, G. N., Panagia, V., Singal, P. K., & Beamish, R. E. (1982). Calcium movements in relation to heart function. Basic research in cardiology, 77(2), 117-139.

4 – Hawgood, S., Benson, B. J., & Hamilton Jr, R. L. (1985). Effects of a surfactant-associated protein and calcium ions on the structure and surface activity of lung surfactant lipids. Biochemistry, 24(1), 184-190.

5 – Berchtold, M. W., Brinkmeier, H., & Müntener, M. (2000). Calcium ion in skeletal muscle: its crucial role for muscle function, plasticity, and disease.Physiological reviews, 80(3), 1215-1265. 

6 – Shanahan, C. M., Crouthamel, M. H., Kapustin, A., & Giachelli, C. M. (2011). Arterial calcification in chronic kidney disease: key roles for calcium and phosphate. Circulation research, 109(6), 697-711.

7 – Coker, R. H., Miller, S., Schutzler, S., Deutz, N., & Wolfe, R. R. (2012). Whey protein and essential amino acids promote the reduction of adipose tissue and increased muscle protein synthesis during caloric restriction-induced weight loss in elderly, obese individuals. Nutr J, 11(1), 105.

8 – Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Review Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein.

9 – Pasiakos, S. M., McLellan, T. M., & Lieberman, H. R. (2015). The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review. Sports Medicine, 45(1), 111-131.

10 – Volek, J. S., Volk, B. M., Gómez, A. L., Kunces, L. J., Kupchak, B. R., Freidenreich, D. J., … & Kraemer, W. J. (2013). Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 32(2), 122-135.

11 – Hansen, M., Bangsbo, J., Jensen, J., Bibby, B. M., & Madsen, K. (2014). Effect of Whey Protein Hydrolysate on Performance and Recovery of Top-Class Orienteering Runners. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism.

12 – Hartman, J. W., Tang, J. E., Wilkinson, S. B., Tarnopolsky, M. A., Lawrence, R. L., Fullerton, A. V., & Phillips, S. M. (2007). Consumption of fat-free fluid milk after resistance exercise promotes greater lean mass accretion than does consumption of soy or carbohydrate in young, novice, male weightlifters. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 86(2), 373-381.

13 – Bearden MM, Pearson DA, Rein D, et al. Potential cardiovascular health benefits of procyanidins present in chocolate and cocoa. In: Parliment TH, Ho C-T, Schieberle P, eds. Caffeinated beverages: health benefits, physiological effects, and chemistry. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 2000:177–186

14 – Pearson DA, Schmitz HH, Lazarus SA, Keen CL. Inhibition of in vitro low-density lipoprotein oxidation by oligomeric procyanidins present in chocolate and cocoas. In: Packer L, ed. Methods in enzymology. Vol. 335. New York: Academic Press, 2001:350–60.

15 – Keen, C. L., Holt, R. R., Oteiza, P. I., Fraga, C. G., & Schmitz, H. H. (2005). Cocoa antioxidants and cardiovascular health. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 81(1), 298S-303S.

16 – Osakabe N, Sanbongi C, Yamagishi M, Takizawa T, Osawa T. Effects of polyphenol substances derived from Theobroma cacao on gastric mucosal lesion induced by ethanol. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998;62:1535–8.

17 – Masood, M. I., Qadir, M. I., Shirazi, J. H., & Khan, I. U. (2011). Beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria on human beings. Critical reviews in microbiology,37(1), 91-98.