Types of Whey Protein: Which One Is Best?

Virtually everyone who has been around the sports nutrition circles has heard of whey protein. The wonders it can do to a body are also well known and documented. Yet products are not created equal. In this post we shall look at the types of whey protein.

Little Miss Muffet had it right as she sat on her tuffet eating her curds and whey. Whey's high reputation for its healthful benefits has a history almost as long as dairy products have been food.

The properties of whey make it a valuable, highly digestible protein source. Its health benefits make it a favored protein food for modern body builders and dieters alike. Modern processing methods make all three types of whey protein widely accessible to health-conscious consumers.

Whey Protein Concentrate

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) contains highly variable levels of protein, from 25% to nearly 90%. Consumer products that list whey protein concentrate on their labels generally contain about 80% protein with fat, minerals, moisture and lactose making up the remainder. This type also contains slightly higher amounts of lactose; therefore the lactose-intolerant may want to stay away from it. WPC is relatively cheap.

Whey Protein isolate

Whey protein isolate (WPI) has protein levels tightly ranging between 90% and 95% for a high protein, low-lactose product. Many bodybuilding formulas and other nutritional products commonly contain whey protein isolate prominently in their formulas. This is the purest protein source available from whey, with its low-lactose and fat levels making it a useful supplement for dieters and bodybuilders. Processing this type of whey requires greater care, therefore it naturally costs more to buy.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) is hydrolyzed whey protein. The process for producing hydrolyzed whey protein involves breaking down the long protein chains in whey into shorter chains. These shorter chains, called peptides, are more readily accepted and utilized by the body than the original protein structure. This is thought to reduce the possibility for allergic reactions, while retaining the full nutritional value of the product. With 80% to 90% protein, low-lactose and fat levels, hydrolyzed whey protein is useful in sports medicine products, baby formulas and products designed for sensitive individuals.

Whey Protein Benefits

Scientists know that protein in the human diet is necessary to keep body fat under control and insulin levels stable. As reported in the June, 2004 issue Journal of Nutrition, whey protein proved more effective than red meat in reducing body weight and increase insulin sensitivity, at least in rats. Like benefits to people are safely assumed.

Its long history establishes all types of whey protein as generally valuable and safe in the human diet. As for finding the best product, reading whey protein reviews could help. With modern marketing and production techniques, it's readily available to purchase and consume in various forms. It's a terrific “whey” to add protein to your health regimen.