We Didn't Just Add More Tea.
We Made Protein Work Harder.
Protean uses ioWHEY® whey protein isolate, clinically shown to deliver up to 2x more bioavailable amino acids than standard whey protein isolate.[1]
What Bioavailability Means
Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient your body can actually absorb and use after consumption. A protein with higher bioavailability means more of its amino acids are available for your body to utilize — supporting muscle recovery, skin health, and overall wellness.
Not all protein sources are created equal. The processing method, protein structure, and delivery format all affect how efficiently amino acids are absorbed. Research shows that processing technology can significantly improve amino acid uptake from whey protein.[1],[2]
Why Grams on a Label Are Not the Whole Story
Most consumers compare protein products by looking at grams per serving. But the number on the label doesn't tell you how much of that protein your body can actually use.
Two products with the same grams of protein can deliver very different amounts of usable amino acids depending on the protein source and processing technology used. Clinical research demonstrates that ioWHEY® delivers 103% more bioavailable leucine, 111% more BCAAs, and 123% more EAAs compared to standard whey protein isolate.[1]
What is ioWHEY®?
ioWHEY® is a whey protein isolate processed using the Ingredient Optimized® technology platform by Plasma Nutrition. This patent-pending process is designed to improve the bioavailability of amino acids without changing the protein content on the label.[1],[3]
In a double-blind crossover study conducted by the Applied Science & Performance Institute, ioWHEY® demonstrated significantly greater amino acid absorption compared to standard whey protein isolate.[1] A subsequent university study also found ioWHEY® outperformed high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein in bioavailability.[2]
An 8-week exercise study further demonstrated the real-world performance benefits of Ingredient Optimized protein when combined with resistance training.[3]
Key Clinical Findings:
+103%
Leucine Bioavailability
+111%
BCAA Bioavailability
+123%
EAA Bioavailability
vs. standard whey protein isolate. Source: Joy et al., Journal of Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, 2019.[1]
Collagen Peptides: More Than Skin Deep
Each can of Protean includes collagen peptides — hydrolyzed collagen that has been broken down for optimal absorption. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that oral collagen supplementation significantly improves skin hydration, elasticity, and reduces wrinkles.[4],[8]
Beyond skin health, research shows collagen peptides support joint function and may help with orthopedic conditions. Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to promote decreased wrinkle formation, increased skin elasticity, and increased hydration in multiple clinical studies.[5]
By combining collagen peptides with ioWHEY® protein isolate, Protean delivers complementary amino acid profiles — whey protein provides essential amino acids for muscle, while collagen provides glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline for connective tissue support.
3g Prebiotic Fiber: Gut Health Foundation
Protean includes 3g of prebiotic fiber per can from wheat fiber extract (gluten-free). Research published in Nutrients demonstrates that dietary fiber and prebiotics play critical roles in gut health, immune function, and cardiovascular health.[6]
Prebiotic fibers specifically feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome. Clinical research shows prebiotic fiber consumption can improve risk factors associated with obesity and metabolic health by modulating the gut microbiota.[7]
Combined with protein and collagen, the prebiotic fiber in Protean supports digestive comfort — helping avoid the bloating often associated with traditional protein shakes.
How Protean Combines Brewed Tea + Optimized Whey
Protean starts with real brewed black tea as the base — not flavored water or artificial tea extracts. Into this brewed tea base, we incorporate ioWHEY® whey protein isolate along with collagen peptides and prebiotic fiber.
The result is a refreshing, light protein beverage that delivers 15g of protein per 16oz can without the heaviness of traditional protein shakes or the sugar of bottled teas. Patent-pending tea + protein formulation technology.
Ingredient Transparency
Full ingredient list:
Purified water, whey protein isolate (ioWHEY®), erythritol, wheat fiber extract (gluten-free), natural flavors, collagen peptides, phosphoric acid, monk fruit concentrate, white button mushroom extract, black tea, citric acid, salt, rebaudioside M, sodium citrate, and gellan gum.
Nutrition Facts Summary
16oz can
Serving
100
Calories
15g
Protein
0g
Added Sugar
2g
Total Sugar
3g
Fiber
10g
Sugar Alcohol
190mg
Sodium
0g
Fat
Ananas Delight: 16g total carbs | Peach, Lemon, Razzle: 18g total carbs
References & Sources
All claims on this page are supported by peer-reviewed research and published clinical studies. Click any reference to view the full publication.
Postprandial Plasma Amino Acid Responses Between Standard Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate Plus Novel Technology
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolic Insights (2019)
View Full PublicationIngredient Optimized ioWhey Protein More Bioavailable Than High-DH Hydrolyzed Whey Protein — Double-Blinded University Study
Plasma Nutrition Press Release (2025)
View Full PublicationThe Effects of Supplementing Ingredient Optimized Whey Protein Isolate (ioProtein) Versus Whey Protein Comparator Following High Intensity Exercise for 8-Weeks
ResearchGate / Applied Science & Performance Institute (2018)
View Full PublicationEffects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (PMC) (2023)
View Full PublicationCollagen Supplementation in Skin and Orthopedic Diseases: A Review of the Literature
Heliyon (2023)
View Full PublicationPrebiotic Fiber Modulation of the Gut Microbiota Improves Risk Factors for Obesity
Gut Microbes (PMC) (2012)
View Full PublicationThe Effect of Oral Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Skin Moisture and the Dermal Collagen Network
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2015)
View Full PublicationDisclaimer: ioWHEY® and Ingredient Optimized® are registered trademarks of Plasma Nutrition, Inc. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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