Dairy-based proteins such as whey can be an effective source of protein, but they are not the only option. For some people, dairy can cause digestive discomfort, while intact proteins also need to be broken down through digestion before their amino acids become available. Unbroken offers a different approach - dairy-free, extensively hydrolyzed and naturally derived from fresh Norwegian salmon.
Why look beyond dairy?
Whey and other dairy-based proteins are widely used in sports and recovery nutrition. They provide high-quality protein and all nine essential amino acids.
But dairy doesn't work equally well for everyone. Some people experience bloating, fullness or other digestive discomfort after consuming dairy-based protein products, particularly those who have difficulty digesting lactose or are sensitive to certain dairy ingredients.
There is another consideration too: digestion.
Even rapidly digested intact proteins such as whey still need to be broken down by the digestive system into smaller peptides and individual amino acids before those amino acids can be absorbed through the intestine and become available to the body.
For people looking for something light, compact and easy to take around activity, there is another way.
Digestion comes before absorption
Protein cannot simply move from what you eat directly into your muscles. With intact protein, digestion has to happen first.
The digestive system uses stomach acid and enzymes to break large protein structures into progressively smaller peptides and amino acids. Only then can they be absorbed through the intestine.
Different proteins are digested at different rates, and whey is considered a relatively fast-digesting intact protein. But it still requires protein digestion.
Unbroken starts much further along that process.
Through extensive enzymatic hydrolysis, the protein from fresh Norwegian salmon has already been broken down into approximately 60% free-form amino acids and 40% di- and tripeptides.
Free-form amino acids require no further protein digestion, while di- and tripeptides require minimal additional processing before intestinal uptake.
Less digestive processing. Rapid amino acid availability.
Why molecular size matters
One of the key differences is molecular size.
Intact proteins are large molecules, typically measuring tens of thousands of Daltons. Unbroken's hydrolyzed salmon protein has an average molecular weight of approximately 374 Dalton.
That exceptionally small molecular profile reflects the extent to which the original salmon protein has already been broken down.
For someone taking nutrition before, during or after physical activity, this matters. Instead of asking the digestive system to process a large intact protein, Unbroken provides amino acids and very small peptides in a form requiring minimal further protein digestion.
This is why we describe Unbroken as:
Low digestive demand. High amino acid availability.
Dairy-free doesn't mean incomplete
Choosing a dairy-free option doesn't mean missing out on essential amino acids.
Salmon is naturally a complete protein source, and Unbroken provides all nine essential amino acids (EAAs) needed for muscle protein synthesis.
It naturally provides:
- All nine essential amino acids
- 25 naturally occurring amino acids in total
- Naturally occurring BCAAs
- Free-form amino acids
- Di- and tripeptides
- Collagen-derived amino acids and peptides
Unlike an isolated EAA or BCAA formula, Unbroken retains a broad spectrum of amino acids and peptides naturally derived from salmon.
More than amino acids
Unbroken also provides key micronutrients including vitamin B12, zinc, selenium and potassium.
Vitamin B12 supports normal energy metabolism and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Zinc and selenium support normal immune function, while potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
This creates a broader nutritional profile in one compact, dairy-free format.
Light enough to use around activity
Recovery nutrition doesn't have to wait until exercise is finished.
Because Unbroken requires minimal further protein digestion, it is particularly suited to taking around physical activity, including before, during or after.
This can be especially useful for people who don't want the feeling of fullness or digestive discomfort that they may experience with some conventional protein products around exercise.
Taking essential amino acids before activity can also be advantageous. Research has shown that consuming EAAs before exercise can substantially increase amino acid delivery to working muscle compared with consuming them afterward.
Recovery can start before the start line.
A different approach to recovery nutrition
Unbroken isn't designed to replace whole foods or the protein in your diet. Good nutrition starts with food.
Instead, it provides another option for times when compact, dairy-free amino acid nutrition with minimal digestive demand is useful.
Unbroken comes in a compact effervescent tablet that dissolves in cold water. It is dairy-free and caffeine-free, with amino acids and small peptides naturally derived from fresh Norwegian salmon.
No dairy. Minimal protein digestion. Compact amino acid nutrition for recovery on the go.
A lighter approach to recovery, naturally from salmon.
