Levelle Nutrition’s Cycle-Syncing Protein adapts to women’s hormonal phases with two distinct formulas. Features effera™ human-identical lactoferrin for iron regulation, plus creatine. Plant-based, clean ingredients, zero bloating triggers.
Levelle Nutrition has accomplished something genuinely new in the sports nutrition industry: a protein powder system designed specifically for the female menstrual cycle. Their Cycle-Syncing Protein Powder isn’t another pink-labeled “for her” product with reduced serving sizes. It’s a two-phase formulation with distinct macronutrient and micronutrient profiles calibrated to the physiological shifts women experience across their monthly cycle.
The “Boom Chocolata” flavored formulation comes from Dr. Linda Alvarez, a physician-turned-product-developer who co-founded Levelle Nutrition after recognizing the research gap in women’s sports nutrition. Her insight mirrors the data: only 2.5% of sports nutrition products target women, and just 23% of sports performance supplement study participants are female. Levelle was built to close that gap.
Women’s Sports Nutrition Needed Its Own Category
What elevates tihs Cycle-Syncing Protein Powder beyond clever marketing is its integration of effera™, Helaina’s human-identical lactoferrin produced through precision fermentation. This bioactive protein, naturally found in human colostrum and breast milk, supports iron homeostasis, immune function, and so much more. Its inclusion addresses one of the most persistent challenges women face: maintaining healthy iron levels through menstruation and intense training. We’ve covered effera™ extensively on our podcast with Helaina CEO Laura Katz, and this is the ingredient’s first appearance in a dedicated cycle-syncing product.
Subscribe for Levelle Nutrition and Helaina news below, and let’s get into what makes this formulation unique:
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effera™: Human-Identical Lactoferrin Changes the Game
Helaina’s effera™ is revolutionizing supplements with the first human-equivalent lactoferrin. Research shows better bioavailability and reduced immune response compared to bovine sources.
At the core of Boom Chocolata is effera™, the world’s first human-identical lactoferrin ingredient, developed by Helaina using precision fermentation technology. Helaina, the company behind effera™, is the sponsor of this article.
What lactoferrin does
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in human secretions like saliva, tears, and gastrointestinal fluids, but is most concentrated in human colostrum (around 8 g/L) and at lower levels in mature breast milk (3-4 g/L). The protein binds and releases iron where the body needs it most, functioning like an intelligent iron regulator rather than simply adding more iron to the system.
For women, this mechanism is critical. Menstrual cycles can significantly increase iron requirements, with the combination of menstruation and physical activity heightening the risk of iron deficiency. Traditional iron supplements work, but they often cause gastrointestinal distress. Lactoferrin offers an alternative path: supporting healthy iron utilization without the bloating and discomfort.
Why Human-Identical Matters: Comparisons Against Bovine Lactoferrin
Here’s where effera™ separates itself from bovine lactoferrin: the body recognizes it as “self”. In a landmark 2024 clinical trial, researchers compared effera™ against bovine lactoferrin in 66 healthy adults over 84 days.[1] The results were striking:
effera™ human-identical lactoferrin demonstrates no alloimmune response in groundbreaking clinical trial, while bovine lactoferrin triggered antibody responses in over 50% of participants. First study to definitively answer the alloimmunization question for precision-fermented proteins.
Participants consuming bovine lactoferrin developed antibodies against the protein, with antibody levels approximately three times higher after 56 days compared to baseline. Both effera™ groups (high-dose and low-dose) showed no significant increase in anti-human lactoferrin antibodies.[1] The body treated effera™ as native protein, not a foreign substance requiring immune surveillance.
This finding has direct implications for efficacy. When the immune system develops antibodies against a supplemented protein, those antibodies can neutralize or clear the protein before it delivers its full benefits. effera™ avoids that problem entirely.
The science behind effera™
The Peterson 2024 study cited above concluded that effera™ demonstrates “low immunogenicity/alloimmunization potential”, meaning it doesn’t trigger the immune responses that bovine alternatives can produce. We covered the landmark lactoferrin trial in detail on PricePlow, and the data is unambiguous.
Beyond immunogenicity, effera™ is vegan, dairy-free, and produced at scale through Helaina’s precision fermentation process. The ingredient is backed by 49 patents, 4 clinical studies, and 5 preclinical studies. For women seeking lactoferrin’s iron-regulation and immune benefits without animal-derived ingredients, effera™ is the only option on the market with human-identical structure.
Understanding Cycle Syncing
Cycle syncing aligns nutrition and training with the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. The concept recognizes something obvious but often ignored: women’s bodies don’t operate the same way every day of the month.
The menstrual cycle divides into two primary phases. The follicular phase spans days 1-14, beginning with menstruation and ending at ovulation. During this phase, estrogen gradually rises, energy tends to increase, and the body responds well to higher-intensity training. The luteal phase covers days 15-28, when progesterone dominates, energy may dip, and recovery becomes more important.
These hormonal shifts affect metabolism, body composition, appetite, and even body temperature. A static protein powder ignores this reality. Boom Chocolata addresses it directly by providing two formulations optimized for each phase’s distinct nutritional demands.
This is where Levelle shows their brilliance: a two-product system that works with these cycles!
The Two-Phase System
Levelle structures Boom Chocolata as two complementary products sold together, each calibrated to the physiological state of its target phase.
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Phase 1: Follicular (Days 1-14)
Phase 1 delivers 15g of protein and 25g of complex carbohydrates per two-scoop serving. The higher carbohydrate ratio supports the increased energy demands typical of the follicular phase, when estrogen is rising and women often experience peak performance capacity.
The micronutrient profile includes 6mg iron (35% DV), 40mg magnesium (10% DV), 6g fiber (21% DV), and 1.5mg zinc (15% DV). Iron content supports replenishment after menstrual blood loss, while the fiber-rich whole grain blend provides sustained energy release.
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Phase 2: Luteal (Days 15-28)
Phase 2 shifts the macronutrient balance to 22g of protein and 18g of carbohydrates. The increased protein supports muscle recovery and helps maintain satiety during a phase when appetite often increases and cravings intensify.
The formula adds magnesium and zinc to the base, boosting mineral support. Iron increases slightly to 6.8mg (40% DV), while phosphorus jumps to 280mg (20% DV) and calcium to 140mg (10% DV). These additions target the recovery and hormonal balance needs characteristic of the luteal phase.
Both phases also contain creatine monohydrate, a welcome inclusion for women given creatine’s well-documented benefits for strength, recovery, and even cognitive function. Interestingly, preclinical data alludes to some serious potential synergistic effects between lactoferrin and creatine.[2]
Levelle Nutrition Cycle-Syncing Protein Ingredients
Both phases share a core ingredient foundation, with Phase 2 adding targeted minerals. Each two-scoop (50g) serving provides:
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Pea Protein and Pumpkin Seed Protein
The plant protein blend delivers all nine essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Pea and pumpkin proteins complement each other’s amino acid profiles, creating a complete protein source without dairy or soy.
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Date Powder
Date Powder provides natural sweetness along with fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. Unlike refined sugars, date powder retains the whole fruit’s nutritional profile and offers a lower glycemic index for steadier energy release.
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Grain and Seed Blend (Oat Bran, Amaranth, Quinoa, Buckwheat, Millet, Chia)
This certified gluten-free whole grain mix provides complex carbohydrates and additional plant protein. Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are all complete proteins themselves, enhancing the overall amino acid profile. The blend is rich in fiber, magnesium, and natural antioxidants.
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100% Cocoa (processed with alkali)
Dutch-processed cocoa delivers chocolate flavor alongside magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation and may help ease PMS symptoms. The cocoa satisfies chocolate cravings with actual nutritional value.
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Milled Golden Flax Seed
Flax Seed contributes omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) and lignans. The milled form ensures better absorption than whole seeds.
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Creatine Monohydrate
Both phases include creatine monohydrate, one of the most researched and effective sports nutrition ingredients.[3,4] Creatine supports strength gains, exercise capacity, and recovery. Women have historically been underrepresented in creatine research, but the evidence strongly supports its benefits for female athletes and active women.
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effera™ Human Lactoferrin
The cornerstone ingredient, effera™, provides human-identical lactoferrin’s iron-regulating, immune-supporting, and gut health benefits as discussed above. For more information, read our article titled “effera™: Revolutionary Human-Equivalent Lactoferrin Goes Beyond Bovine, Changing the Supplement Industry“.
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Organic Monk Fruit Extract
Zero-calorie sweetening from monk fruit rounds out the formula without sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, or other additives that commonly cause digestive distress.
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Phase 2 additions: Magnesium Carbonate and Zinc Oxide
Phase 2 adds supplemental magnesium and zinc to support the luteal phase’s increased mineral demands and hormonal balance.
Levelle’s real-food philosophy extends to what they didn’t include: no gums, no fillers, no artificial sweeteners, no sugar alcohols, no inulin, and no chicory root fiber. These common additives frequently cause bloating, cramping, and digestive discomfort. The clean ingredient deck aligns with Levelle’s commitment to products that support gut health rather than stress it.
How to Use
The Boom Chocolata powder integrates into daily nutrition with minimal complexity:
- Tracking your cycle: Use a calendar or period-tracking app to count days starting from day 1 of your period (first day of menstruation).
- Phase 1 (Follicular): Begin Phase 1 on day 1 of your period and continue through approximately day 14 (ovulation). Mix 2 scoops with 10-12 oz of water, milk, or milk alternative daily.
- Phase 2 (Luteal): Switch to Phase 2 around day 15 and continue until your next period begins. Same mixing instructions apply.
Flexibility: If you don’t follow a traditional cycle or prefer not to track, you can purchase each phase individually and choose based on your current training and recovery goals. Phase 1 emphasizes energy and endurance; Phase 2 prioritizes recovery and satiety.
The powder mixes well in shakers, blenders, smoothies, and even baked applications like energy bites.
Who It’s For
Levelle’s Cycle-Syncing Protein Powder serves several female audiences:
We went behind the scenes at Helaina’s Manhattan lab to see how they make human-identical effera™ lactoferrin through precision fermentation.
- Menstruating women who track their cycles get the most direct benefit from the phase-specific formulations. The system was designed for this use case.
- Female athletes and active women seeking nutrition that adapts to hormonal fluctuations rather than ignoring them will find the approach refreshing after years of “shrink it and pink it” products.
- Women wanting vegan, real-food protein without bloating triggers have limited options in the market. Boom Chocolata checks those boxes while delivering meaningful functional ingredients.
- Anyone interested in working with their body’s natural rhythms can benefit from the cycle-syncing approach, even without strict tracking. The distinct formulations offer flexibility for different training phases or recovery needs.
Flavors Available
Levelle launched in Boom Chocolata, but below is an up-to-date listing of all available flavors/variations found by PricePlow:
A Unique and Powerful Addition to Women’s Sports Nutrition
Laura Katz, founder and CEO of Helaina, discusses the revolutionary effera™ human-identical lactoferrin technology and precision fermentation platform on Episode #167 of the PricePlow Podcast.
Levelle Nutrition’s Cycle-Syncing Plant-Based Protein Powder sets a new standard by taking women’s physiology seriously. The combination of cycle-syncing formulation and effera™ human-identical lactoferrin addresses real nutritional needs that most protein powders ignore.
Dr. Linda Alvarez and the Levelle team have created something the industry lacked: a protein system that reflects how women’s bodies actually function. The dual-phase approach respects hormonal fluctuations. The effera™ inclusion provides iron regulation benefits without the immune challenges of bovine alternatives. The real-food ingredient deck avoids the additives that send so many women searching for digestive-friendly options.
For women frustrated by one-size-fits-all protein powders, Boom Chocolata offers an alternative worth trying. For the supplement industry, it signals where women’s sports nutrition needs to go.
Subscribe to PricePlow for price alerts and availability updates on Levelle Nutrition Boom Chocolata, and sign up for Helaina news to track the effera™ ingredient across the industry.
Levelle Nutrition plant-based Protein – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
Get Price Alerts
No spam, no scams.
Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.
Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.
