Whey protein is an increasingly popular nutritional supplement. It is marketed to have benefits for building lean muscle, hastening muscle recovery and assisting in weight loss. It is also a common ingredient in infant formula. Whey protein is derived from milk and is a by-product of cheese production. There are different types of whey protein, including whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate.
Components of Milk
According to the Whey Protein Institute, milk is composed 87 percent from water and 13 percent from solids. Of the solids, 27 percent is protein, 37 percent is lactose, 30 percent is fat and 6 percent is minerals. Of the proteins, 80 percent is casein and 20 percent is whey. The Whey Protein Institute says that whey is a complete protein. A complete protein contains all of the essential amino acids, those amino acids that cannot be produced endogenously within the body and must be obtained through nutritional sources.
Production of Whey Protein and Whey Protein Isolate
After its separation from casein, whey protein still contains fat and lactose and is known as whey protein concentrate. This product can be further filtered using methods such as ion exchange, microfiltration and ultrafiltration to yield a more purified substance, whey protein isolate.
Differences in Protein Percentage
The purification of whey concentrate to form whey isolate results in the elimination of fat and lactose from whey isolate. As a result, there is a higher percentage of protein in whey isolate as compared to whey concentrate. According to the Whey Protein Institute, whey protein concentrate can contain between 29 percent and 89 percent protein, whereas whey isolate contains greater than 90 percent protein.
Biological Value
Biological value is an indicator of how well an ingested protein source can be digested and utilized by an organism. A protein with a high biological value can be readily incorporated into the body's natural protein synthesis pathways. According to muscleandstrength.com, the biological value of whey isolate is higher than that of whey concentrate.
Cost Difference
The production of whey protein isolate through specialized separation processes, resulting in a fat-free, carbohydrate-free protein with a higher protein concentration and a higher biological value, translates to higher consumer cost. In general, whey isolate is priced higher than whey concentrate.
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