Whats The Difference Between Whey Isolate And Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey protein and whey protein isolate are both derived from the same milk concentration. The main difference between them is that whey protein isolate has been put through a cold-filtered crossflow micro-filtration process to help remove the lactose, carbs, and fat in order to derive a highly purified and refined form of protein. Both forms of whey are known as complete proteins, and contain all 9 essential amino acids, to help build and rebuild lean muscle mass while optimizing post-workout muscle recovery. Since these amino acids are essential, they must be obtained through diet or through supplementation.
Whey Concentrate Vs Whey Isolate Key Differences
- Whey isolate contains a higher protein content, ranging around 90% purity compared to whey concentrate, at 70-80% protein purity.
- Whey protein isolate contains less than 1% lactose and milk fat, as compared to whey protein concentrate, which contains over 50% lactose per serving, and over 2% fat per serving.
- Whey protein concentrate can cause bloating, due to the lactose and carbohydrate content.
- Whey protein isolate has a lower calorie count as compared to whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate absorbs faster, which makes it an ideal post-workout supplement to help with crucial amino-acid delivery.
The table below shows the key differences between a standard whey isolate and whey concentrate supplement per 100-calorie serving
Whey Protein Concentrate Vs Isolate: Which Is Right For You
Whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate are two of the most common forms of whey. While they both are complete proteins, help build muscle, and release anabolic hormones, there are a few key differences you should know.
Whey protein isolate undergoes a more rigorous filtration process than whey protein concentrate. This process removes the carb, fat, and lactose content from whey isolate. If you are on a low-fat or low-carb diet or are lactose intolerant, choose whey protein isolate instead of whey concentrate.
If youre ready to improve your workout performance and build more muscle without adding fat or carbs we encourage you to try our 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate Protein powder. However, if you need the extra carbs and fat to power through your workouts, we recommend our 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate.
Whey Protein May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar and impaired function of insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that is supposed to stimulate the uptake of blood sugar into cells, keeping it within healthy limits.
Whey protein has been found to be effective at moderating blood sugar, increasing both the levels of insulin and the sensitivity to its effects (
24 ).
These properties of whey protein may even be comparable to those of medications for diabetes, such as sulfonylurea .
As a result, whey protein can be effectively used as a supplementary treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Taking a whey protein supplement before or with a high-carb meal has been shown to moderate blood sugar in both healthy people and those with type 2 diabetes .
Summary
Whey protein is effective at moderating blood sugar levels, especially when taken before or with high carb meals. It may be particularly useful for people with type 2 diabetes.
You May Like: Quest Protein Bars Variety Pack
The Benefits Of Taking Whey Protein Isolate Powder
The body needs 9 essential amino acids to remain healthy. Whey protein isolate powder contains all of these amino acids, making it a complete protein. There are 3 amino acids that are especially powerful for gaining muscle mass, which include Leucine, Iso-leucine and Valine. These 3 amino acids also help repair muscle tissue, improve endurance, maintain muscle mass and reduce tissue damage. This is why so many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use whey protein isolate powder before heading out to the gym.
Whey protein isolate can also:
- Prevent bone loss
- Mixed plant proteins
Whey protein is a fast absorbing protein made from the byproducts of the production of yogurt and cheese while casein protein is also a dairy protein found in milk. Egg protein is derived from egg whites while pea protein is manufactured from yellow split peas. Hemp protein is derived from the hemp plant while brown rice protein is made from brown rice. Plant-based protein blends are a mix of plant proteins. Whey protein continues to be the most popular form due to its high protein content and ease of absorption.
Best Whey Isolate For Digestion
While digestive enzymes can be helpful to break down protein powder, it may be even more important to have a powder thats made with more easily digestible whey protein isolate. This protein supplement from Swolverine ticks both boxes, making it potentially more digestible than other whey isolates on the market.
Also Check: Which Protein Powder Is Best For Muscle Gain
Whey Isolate By Promix
Last but not least we have Whey Isolate by Promix. The presentation on the manufacturers website is neat and shows the product in two flavors- Chocolate and Unflavored.
Promix says their protein isolate comes from free-grazing cows out on the pasture. Each serving packs 30g of protein and comes directly from local farms. Also, the bottles are batch-tested and packaged via a GMP certified facility.
Promix has a quality guarantee and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if youre not satisfied. Its worthy to note that 1% of sales are donated to environmental conservation.
Overall its pretty decent for the money but not the best iso protein.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate
Image courtesy Optimum Nutrition
We start by choosing only the highest quality whey protein, which is then subjected to a series of complicated filtering processes to “isolate” fat, cholesterol, and sugar from the mix.
This is done by adding a small amount of acid . This process converts the remaining protein into smaller chains of amino acids, which are known as peptides. The final product is a rapid digesting complete protein with less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, less than 0.5 gram of fat, and at least 80% pure protein per serving.
Read Also: How Much Protein Intake To Gain Muscle
Enu Meal Replacement Shakes With Effective Whey And Soy Protein Isolates
Choosing a meal replacement shake or nutrition beverage that works for you can require some lengthy trial and error alternately, you could simply try an ENU meal replacement shake. Every carton contains 20 grams of protein from whey and soy isolates along with healthy, unsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and lasting satiation. To learn more about our products and how they can help you reach your health and fitness goals with nutrition shakes, visit us online or call us today at 266-6733.
Whey Protein Isolate: The 10 Best Selling Brands In 2022
Everyone is aware of how protein acts as an essential nutrient for the human body. This protein intake is sometimes lacking in our daily diet. In such cases, to meet our protein requirements, we use protein powder for the needs of our bodies. This helps to boost your performance and build muscle, apart from all your hard work in the gym.
So, why whey protein isolates in the first place? It is because it contains all the amino acids that are essential for muscle growth and recovery.
When you walk through any supplement store, you will come across a wide variety of different whey protein isolates from a wide range of brands.
Today, we have focused on the list of The Top 10 Whey Protein Isolates in the United States to identify proteins that provide the greatest benefits.
Recommended Reading: Is Whey Protein Powder Keto-friendly
What Is Whey Protein Concentrate
The other common form of whey protein is whey protein concentrate. Concentrated forms of whey are packed with biologically active components with beneficial properties the good stuff youd find in whole milk. Whey protein concentrate has a higher percentage of lactose than the isolate version, but is still relatively low in fats and carbohydrates. The protein content of whey protein concentrates depends on how concentrated it is, with most whey concentrates containing between 70-80% protein. Rich in BCAAs as well as glutamine, whey protein concentrate is a great choice for those looking to build or maintain muscles, or recover after a workout.
Whey Protein May Enhance The Bodys Antioxidant Defenses
Antioxidants are substances that act against oxidation in the body. This means they reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of various chronic diseases.
One of the most important antioxidants in humans is glutathione. Unlike most antioxidants, which you get from your diet, glutathione is produced by your body.
In the body, glutathione production depends on the supply of several amino acids, such as cysteine, which is sometimes of limited supply.
For this reason, high cysteine foods, such as whey protein, may boost the bodys natural antioxidant defenses (
Summary
Whey protein supplementation may strengthen the bodys antioxidant defenses by promoting the formation of glutathione, one of the bodys main antioxidants.
Read Also: 1 Protein In Urine Means
Both Are Complete Proteins
Whey protein whether it’s protein concentrate or isolate contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a pure protein. Both whey protein concentrate and isolate include an extra high dose of the amino acidleucine, which has been shown to effectively stimulate muscle protein synthesis and help build more lean muscle mass.
A 2003 Journal of Sports Science and Medicine study noted that whey protein contains high levels of both essential and branched-chain amino acids . In addition, the bioavailability of these amino acids is rather high, allowing your body to better absorb them.
The study also noted that while the protein concentration is higher in whey protein isolate than concentrate , the bioavailability in whey protein concentrate is better than whey protein isolate.
The Right Whey For Wellness
If you need a stricter dietary plan that requires more control over the macronutrients you put into your body, whey protein isolate is probably the way to go as it allows you to minimize stomach issues, lactose sensitivities, and unnecessary extra carbs and fats in your diet. However, theres a world of other supplements out there that even include combinations of different whey varieties.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to working out, eating, and supplementing.
Before you tailor your lifestyle, youre first going to need to take a look at where you are and where you want to go. Without well-defined and achievable goals, youll be feeling your way in the dark when it comes to achieving your goals.
Knowing yourself and whether you want to lose weight, pack on muscle, or just generally feel better is the first step in taking your fitness to the next level. Once you have that, the question of concentrate or isolate will become clearer and youll be well on your way to a healthier life and a better physique.
Useful Links
Also Check: Protein Rich Food For Veg
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
When it comes to the taste of protein powder, sometimes less is more. The versatility of chocolate and vanilla gives you the ability to cater your protein intake in a variety of ways. Chocolate and vanilla allow you the option to spice up your protein shake, or to keep it simple. Onnits protein shake is one of the best weve tried.
Discover Which Powder Can Help You Up Your Protein Intake And Reach Your Nutrition Goals
We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.
The main difference between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate is the amount of protein per scoop. For folks who are serious about their protein intake bodybuilders, strongmen, and Tom Brady whey protein isolate may be a better option than whey concentrate. For one, it packs 90 percent protein per scoop compared to standard whey . Its also typically void of unwanted extras and filler. However, whey concentrate does tend to be less expensive since its not as processed and doesnt have as high a concentration of protein.
When sifting through all the different whey isolates on the market, youll want to pay attention to additives and sweeteners, as well as allergens like soy that some protein powders contain. The protein isolates on this list are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, sugar, and lactose, so youll get as much protein as you can out of each scoop. But with different additives like digestive enzymes, for example some of these picks may offer varying benefits for things like weight loss, digestion, and muscle growth. Weve landed on the best options in a variety of categories to help shorten your search.
Also Check: Cat Food With High Protein
Whey Protein Concentrate Vs Isolate: Which Is Better
Reviewed ByKyle Crowley MSc Sports Nutrition
Evidence Based
Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate are the undisputed kings of the protein world, with each having their own benefits depending on your physique goals. So, which is best and which is the right choice for you?
There are two main differences when it comes to the concentrate vs isolate debate, even though both proteins are derived from the same raw ingredient, milk.
Put simply, both these proteins go through a filtration process, with isolate being subject to a more intense process. This allows isolate to be lower in calories, carbohydrates and fats than concentrate while maintaining its high protein contents.
It also has a lower lactose content too, so is the preferred protein for those who avoid dairy products. However, this doesnt mean that concentrate isnt the right choice for you. Whey Protein Concentrate is also low in fats, carbs and calories and contains a pure protein content and usually has a lower price. In this article we cover all areas of these two beasts, so you can make an informed decision of which is best for you.
What is Whey?
What is Whey Protein Concentrate?
What is Whey Protein Isolate?
Whey Protein Concentrate Vs Whey Protein Isolate
What Is Whey Protein Isolate
One would think that buying protein powder would be a pretty simple, straightforward process. It is not. Not only are there all sorts of different sources available whey, casein, pea, soy, hemp, and so on but these proteins can all be processed in a variety of ways.
The most popular and common protein, for example, is whey which is generally available in one of two different forms: concentrate or isolate. To help you pick the best protein for you, let’s take a closer look at whey isolate and how it compares to the concentrate option.
Don’t Miss: Best Protein Bars For Weight Gain
Whey Protein Isolate Vs Concentrate Both Build Muscle Mass
Muscle tissue is composed of protein. Both whey concentrate and whey isolate are incredibly well researched backed by hundreds of clinically studies. Whey and whey isolate both play an essential role in fat loss, muscle growth, exercise recovery and the muscle building process.
In fact, a study conducted at the University of North Carolina investigated the effects of whey vs other forms of whey protein. All 56 study participants increased total body muscle mass and strength supplementing with 60g of whey protein per day in conjunction with an 8-week resistance training program .
My Protein Impact Whey Isolate
Image courtesy My Protein
My Protein Impact Whey Isolate is a high quality protein powder that helps you to build lean muscle mass, repair damaged muscles and recover quickly from intense workouts.
It is made with 100% whey protein isolate, which is the purest form of whey protein available. It is also low in carbohydrates and fat, making it an ideal protein powder for those who are trying to lose weight or build lean muscle mass.
My Protein Impact Whey Isolate is a quick and easy way to get the protein your body needs to build muscle and recover from workouts. It is also a great source of energy for those who are looking to boost their performance in the gym.
Read Also: What Are Functions Of Proteins
Whey Protein Isolate Nutricost
- Its a high-quality whey protein isolate that provides an active lifestyle for everybody. It combines all the rich flavors to enhance the taste of the product. It maintains both high standards and high-quality that is carefully formulated under expert guidance. More interestingly, all their supplement products are manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities.
- So, you are getting the best out of it. Also, all the ingredients are checked, tested, and verified to ensure maximum quality. In addition to this, it mixes well, tastes good, and works efficiently.
- High in essential amino acids
- Five delectable flavors
- The product contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose that might have an adverse effect on your health and body.
- Product Weight: 2 Pounds, Price: $35.95, Rating: 4.6/5
Whey Protein Isolate Benefits: Enhances Muscle Recovery
Ensuring quick and efficient muscle recovery is one of the most important components to optimizing your training. If you can actively recover faster, then you can increase your training volume, which translates into better athletic performance and better results. Supplementing with Whey Protein Isolate before, during, or after your training, stimulates protein synthesis and minimizes protein breakdown , which are the two biological processes that are essential for exercised induced muscle recovery. Compared to regular protein supplements, whey protein isolate is more effective at increasing blood amino acids and protein synthesis due to its different absorption kinetics and amino acid profile. The high availability of amino acids in whey protein isolate, especially branched-chain amino acids, is important for protein synthesis in the hours immediately after ingestion . Whey protein isolate also contains high amounts of L-Glutamine, which is a conditionally essential amino acid, which helps decrease muscle mass breakdown, and exercise-induced muscle soreness.
RELATED ARTICLE L-Glutamine: The Best Supplement For Post-Workout Recovery And Soreness
Don’t Miss: How To Get Enough Protein