Whey Protein, The Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Whey Protein Guide

In this guide you will find out all the details about Whey Protein.

What is it, what are the different types available, their benefits and much more.

We've tried to cover all the relevant topics about this supplement so you can understand why it's so popular.

In the end, if you still have any doubts, just use the comments area.

So let's get started.

What is Whey Protein?

It is a milk protein, more precisely from whey and is obtained during the cheese making process.

Whey proteins make up about 20% of the protein content of animal milk, with the rest of the proteins being casein fractions (~ 80%).

The production of whey protein can be done through various filtration methods (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, etc.) depending on the desired protein content.

After being filtered, the protein is spray-dried to produce its desired powdered shape, which can then undergo additional modifications by manufacturers, such as flavorings, dyes, etc.

It is a complete protein source, which means that it contains all 9 essential amino acids, has a high biological value and a high concentration of BCAA's.

What are the different types of Whey Protein?

Concentrated Whey Protein

This is the cheapest and most common way.

It is produced by ultrafiltration of whey and normally offers protein concentrations between 70 and 80%, thus also bringing some carbohydrates (lactose) and fats.

Since the concentration of this protein is around 70-80%, it means that for every 100g we have on average between 70 to 80 grams of pure protein, which is a very good value.

In addition, it has a high amount of BCAA's and other essential amino acids and is quickly absorbed.

Isolated Whey Protein

The isolated form is basically an evolution of the concentrated version.

It can be produced using various filtration techniques and achieves protein values in the range of 85-95%, which is excellent.

In addition, due to greater filtration, the values of fat and carbohydrates are very low, reaching zero, eliminating lactose.

For example, in a protein with 95% of concentration, we have 95g of high quality protein for every 100g.

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein

This is the latest production technique for this type of supplement.

It is produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of concentrated and / or isolated Whey.

With this technique the protein is absorbed more quickly, since peptide bonds are separated and digestion is facilitated.

This is usually the most expensive form.

What are the benefits of Whey Protein?

Proteins are an essential macronutrient and play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of muscle, as well as many other physiological processes.

In a simplified way, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins are the building blocks of muscles.

In addition, amino acids play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, cardiovascular function and brain metabolism.

Supplementing with protein has many benefits, which essentially come from the biological function of essential amino acids.

Whey protein is a complete protein, with a high amount of L-Leucine, essential to stimulate protein synthesis, among other EAA'S.

Some of the reasons for using this type of supplement:

• Stimulates protein synthesis (3) (6)
• It is quickly absorbed / digested
• It is easy and convenient to use
• Increases anabolic response to resistance training (3) (2)
• It can work as an anti-catabolic during prolonged aerobic activities (2)
• Strengthens the immune system (5)
• Promotes fat loss (4)
• Helps maintain lean mass (3) (4)
• Recovery aid (1) (2)

How does it compare to other types of protein?

The most popular way to determine the quality of a protein is through biological value.

The biological value of a protein refers to a practical measure that assesses the degree to which it is possible for us to use that protein.

Basically, the greater the biological value of a protein, the more effective it will be.

• Concentrated and isolated whey - Between 100 to 159
• whole egg? 100
• Milk ? 91
• Egg white ? 88
• Cottage cheese ? 84
• Tuna ? 83
• Chicken ? 79
• peanuts? 68
• Oat ? 58

How and when to take Whey Protein?

The best time to take this supplement is undoubtedly before and after training, however, it can be used throughout the day when a quality protein source is required.

Example: Add protein to the snack.

There is no universal value for the amount to be taken per day, as it always depends on each person and should be used as a way to reach the daily protein requirements.

An article that addresses this topic in more detail is the The best times to take Whey.

What are the side effects of Whey Protein?

This supplement is normally well tolerated, however, in special cases, it may occur:

• Intestinal bloating / discomfort
• Nausea
• Gases
• Allergic reactions

These problems usually arise when there is a food allergy (lactose) or when the consumption of proteins is too high.

If you experience intestinal discomfort with concentrated Whey, try an isolate or a whey supplement with digestive enzymes added to facilitate digestion.

How to choose a good Whey Protein supplement?

To choose a good Whey Protein supplement, the first step is always to look at the product label, analyzing the ingredients and nutritional value.

The supplement should have at least between 70 to 80% of protein, that is, between 70g to 80g of protein for every 100g, the ideal should be around 80% in the case of the concentrate and 90% in the case of the isolate.

If it is a mixture of several proteins, it should contain between 75% to 85% of protein.

Protein sources should always be concentrated, isolated or hydrolyzed Whey.

You can have only one or a mixture, depending on what you are buying.

Another important point is to analyze the additions made by the brand and the aminogram.

If you see additions like glycine or taurine on the label, it is usually a bad product.

In the aminogram you should also look at the quantities of BCAA's (Leucine, isoleucine and valine).

A good Whey Protein brings at least between 17g to 18g of BCAA's in the case of concentrate, and 20-22g in the case of isolate.

Furthermore, a good Whey Protein has low amounts of carbohydrates (5-10g/100g) and fats (4-8g/100g).

You have our list of best Whey Protein supplements from the market.

Does Whey get fat? Does Whey lose weight?

To gain weight, there needs to be a caloric excess, that is, we eat more calories per day than we consume, so it doesn't just depend on Whey.

A Whey Protein Shake has about 100 calories, making it very difficult for someone to get fat from these shakes.

For this to eventually happen, your diet would have to be very high in calories already, and your Whey would have increased even more, yet it wouldn't make a very significant contribution to your weight gain.

That said, using Whey Protein to gain muscle is a good idea as it will help to increase the protein content of the diet and the quality of the diet.

For those looking to lose weight, this supplement can be a good ally in maintaining lean mass while eliminating fat.

What is the best Whey Protein supplement?

The best supplement is one that has the highest amount of quality protein, with the least amount of carbohydrates and fats.

Meetings here our Top 10 Whey Supplements.

What is the worst Whey Protein supplement?

Products with a high amount of carbohydrates and low amounts of protein should be avoided.

Protein sources should be whey protein, not wheat and companion proteins.

Techniques such as aminospiking are also not welcome. (See review 100% Whey Prime).

Concentrated Whey or Isolated Whey?

Concentrated Whey is the most economical whey supplement and is usually well tolerated.

Depending on the concentration of the powder, it is a excellent option for those who don't want to spend a lot of money and have a quality protein supplement.

As for disadvantages, it has a slightly lower bioavailability compared to that isolated and a lower protein concentration.

It also has a little bit of lactose and if you are intolerant it is not a good idea.

As for Whey Isolate, it has a very high bioavailability, is even easier to digest, is very low in fat/carbohydrates and has a very high protein concentration (+90%).

The downside?

The price.

You will find our article here Isolated vs Concentrated Whey, is it worth the isolated?

Conclusion

Supplementation with Whey Protein is very famous, and for obvious reasons.

It is an economical source of protein, with an excellent amino acid profile and very practical, making it a lot easier to reach the necessary daily protein values.

While it doesn't work miracles, its benefits are obvious, and if you're looking for your first supplement, a good Whey Protein is probably your best bet.

Come here in this article where we show you the best Whey protein supplements or have a look at our section on analysis to make sure you’re buying a good product.

If you have any questions use the comments area below!

References

(1) https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P6

(two) https://europepmc.org/article/med/20048505

(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23343671/

(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18371214/

(5) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25530736/

(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24257722/