Reflex® Diet is a type of protein powder supplement manufactured by Reflex Nutrition. The company claims that the specially formulated ingredients in the product aid in reducing body fat while the individual gains lean muscle. The Reflex® Diet, in particular, contains casein and whey proteins along with CLA, or conjugated lineolic acid. The powder also contains calcium, green tea extract, and probiotics. Reflex Nutrition makes a variety of products that contain pure protein or a combination of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
According to nutritional standards, the average person requires 50 to 65 grams of protein per day. Individuals engaged in elevated levels of physical activity, which may include exercise, weight training, or competitive sports, require up to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For a person who weighs 180 pounds (82 kilograms) that amounts to 139 grams of protein. The body requires protein for the tissue repair that occurs between workouts or sporting events. Inadequate amounts of dietary protein may lead to generalized fatigue, weakness, and slow tissue repair.
Health care providers generally recommend getting adequate protein from lean beef, chicken, fish, and dairy products. If individuals opt to use protein supplementation, nutritionists recommend using whey protein as it contains all nine of the essential amino acids required by the body. Four ounces of beef contains about 30 grams of protein, and 6 ounces of tuna has approximately 40 grams. Protein powder shakes in general may contain up to 50 grams of protein per serving. The Reflex® Diet contains 32 grams per serving.
Specialists also warn that exceeding daily protein requirements, over an extended period of time, can stress to the kidneys and liver and may lead to irreparable organ damage. Nutritionists also advise that athletes consume a proper proportion of carbohydrates to protein, as carbohydrates serve as the fuel for physical activity. Dieticians suggest overall daily carbohydrate intake be four to five times greater than the amount of protein consumed. For every 100 grams of protein, active individuals should also include 400 to 500 grams of carbohydrates. The Reflex® Diet contains only a little over 5 grams of carbohydrate for every 36 grams of protein in a single serving.
Many believe that conjugated lineolic acid, which is generally derived from safflower oil, aids in decreasing body fat while helping to increase muscle mass. Reflex® Diet contains 3.2 grams of this fatty acid, which some health care providers believe to have adverse effects. Studies indicate CLA increases insulin levels, posing a danger of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes. Physicians also warn that the substance may increase blood cholesterol levels, possibly leading to cardiovascular disease.