PRODUCT RELATED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to take protein supplements?

This will depend on your individual training routine, goals and the type of protein supplement that is being used. Vitalstrength products can be taken any time of the day, however directions for use are written on all Vitalstrength products with a recommendation of the best time to take.

Some suggestions:
1. Post-training (within 45 minutes of an intensive workout):
Protein supplementation post-training allows for growth and repair of muscle tissue. At this time the body’s cells are most sensitive to nutrient uptake which is important for muscle growth and development.

2. In the morning after rising:
The period of rest each evening is generally the longest that your body goes without food. Protein supplementation provides amino acids for maintaining muscle and sustained energy throughout the day.

3. In between meals:
Protein supplementation in between meals helps to maximise muscle synthesis while also controlling hunger. Protein helps to stimulate the release of hormones that trigger a feeling of fullness.

4. Pre- training:
Protein supplementation before training provides the body with energy and encourages muscle gains by "priming" your bloodstream with BCAA‘s and other essential amino acids.

5. Before you go to bed:
Consuming a slow release protein before you go to bed helps to prevent protein breakdown that naturally occurs while sleeping. Protein sources such as soy and calcium caseinate take longer to be absorbed by the body allowing a slower release of protein throughout the night. A product such as Total Protein Plus supports muscle tissue repair and growth long after an intensive workout and is an ideal protein to consume prior to sleep.

How are Vitalstrength protein supplements best taken?
Please read the “Directions for use” provided on all Vitalstrength products.

How do I choose a Vitalstrength protein powder?
Individuals differ greatly in their supplement requirements. Vitalstrength provides a large range of products to meet individual requirements. You can use the PRODUCT SELECTOR on this website which is a tool designed to help you select which supplements are most suitable for your needs. This tool allows you to select products best suited to your training goals: Lean Muscle Growth, Mass Gain or Strength & Conditioning. Things to think about when choosing a sports supplement include individual fitness and nutritional goals, taste, ingredients and price.

Will protein supplements make me bulk up?
One of the most misconceived views of weight training is that just by consuming protein supplements you will “bulk up.” Muscle gains with protein supplementation will depend greatly on the type and intensity of training you are doing. While the body does require extra protein to build muscle, it is not the protein alone which stimulates this growth. Extra dietary protein can only lead to an increase in muscle mass if the hormonal growth mechanisms have been stimulated (eg, by heavy weight training) and continue to be so over a prolonged time. It is also very unlikely for women to “bulk up” because females produce such a small amount of testosterone compared to men.

How does protein supplementation assist with weight loss?
Regardless of exercise intensity and frequency an increase in protein will contribute to a feeling of fullness that helps curb your total daily kilojoules consumed. Taking a protein supplement and eating more regularly will boost your metabolism and help you effectively burn fat whilst maintaining body tone. It also means avoiding blood sugar highs (or lows) associated with high carbohydrate consumption which can lead to energy fluctuations and weight gain. Additionally, many Vitalstrength supplements also contain added nutrients, such as l-carnitine and hydroxy citric acid to further assist weight loss.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Where can I buy Vitalstrength products?
Vitalstrength products are available at health food outlets, body building and supplements stores, selected gyms and pharmacies throughout Australia and New Zealand. Please visit the stockist’s page on this website for a list of stockists.

Do you have any free samples?
Unfortunately we cannot provide free samples upon request. We regularly have taste testings at selected retailers so please check Vitalstrength’s Facebook page for taste testing locations.

If I am not happy with a Vitalstrength product. Can I return it?
All Vitalstrength protein powders have a 100% money back guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with a Vitalstrength product, please return the packaging and remaining contents together with the retailer’s name, address and receipt to PO Box 272 Marrickville NSW 2204 within 7 days of purchase for full refund of the purchased price. In a short statement please tell us why the product was not to your satisfaction. If you are in New Zealand please return the product to the store where you purchased.

I would like to stock Vitalstrength products in my retail store. How do I go about this?
Vitalstrength does not sell directly to the public however if you have a retail store and would like to stock our products please email sales@vitalstrength.com or call us toll free 1800 687 117 (Australia) or 0800 687 117 (New Zealand).

INGREDIENTS & FOOD STANDARDS

My protein powder is past its "best before date", is it still okay to use?
All Vitalstrength products have a "best before" date printed on the packaging. Though your powder isn’t likely to go bad (provided you’ve stored it in a cool, dry place), the intensities of the flavours and sweeteners and the potencies of some of the added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids may start to reduce if you continue to use your protein after the “best before” date.

Which Vitalstrength products are gluten free?
All Vitalstrength products are gluten free excluding:
Extreme Rapid Weight Gainer, Professional Muscle Weight Gainer and Carb Clear Protein Bars.

If I am lactose intolerant can I take Vitalstrength protein supplements?
WPI+ which contains pure whey protein isolate may be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, as it contains very minimal amounts of lactose. Other Vitalstrength whey protein supplements contain lactose and the amount can vary greatly from product to product.

Is whey protein vegetarian?
Yes, whey protein is an excellent choice for vegetarians who include dairy products in their diet.

Does Vitalstrength use artificial sweeteners?
Yes, we need to use a small quantity (approx 0.03g per serve) of sucralose to enhance the sweetness of our protein powders. Sucralose is made from sucrose (common sugar) which has been modified so that its sweetness is highly enhanced but it is not digested by the human body. Sucralose is a safe and approved food sweetening agent.

It says on many of your products ′Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women: should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision ′. Why is that?
Due to the higher levels of vitamins and minerals, these products are classified as "Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods." Children and pregnant women have specific requirements which need to be taken into account. Although Vitalstrength products do not contain any harmful ingredients, Vitalstrength recommends consultation with a health care professional before supplements are used by children under 15 years of age and pregnant women.

Do Vitalstrength products undergo any TGA regulation and provide an AUST L number?
All Vitalstrength capsules and tablets are manufactured in a TGA approved facility and display AUST L numbers on the packaging. All powdered products (protein, creatine, and glutamine) are manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures. All powdered products meet Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) requirements.

SPORTS

Are any of your products prohibited to use during sporting events?
None of our products contain any ingredients that are prohibited in the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Code.

Does Vitalstrength sponsor young athletes?
Vitalstrength sponsors a small number of athletes every year, on a case by case basis. The sponsorship varies, from athlete to athlete, however it is very competitive and generally speaking the athlete must be at an elite level to qualify. See the athlete page of this website to read about some of the professional athletes that use Vitalstrength.