Athletes and active people use protein supplements to increase stamina, lean muscle mass and energy. Muscle Milk is a brand-name protein mix developed by CytoSport. As part of its advertising, CytoSport states that famous athletes such as Bryan Braun of baseball and Shaquille O'Neal of basketball use Muscle Milk for performance. Whey protein is a raw protein source sold by many different distributors in health food and vitamin stores. The differences between Muscle Milk and whey protein are numerous, and may provide direction if you're trying to decide which protein to use.
Protein Type
Although both Muscle Milk and whey are forms of protein, they are different in their protein structure composition. According to the Whey Protein Institute, whey protein is a basic form of protein from cow's milk. Whey is easy for the human body to break down and digest, allowing a rapid release into the bloodstream and muscles for instant muscle repair and nutrition per the Whey Protein Institute.
Muscle Milk contains both whey and casein proteins, according to the Muscle Milk Protein website. Casein proteins are harder for the human body to digest; therefore Muscle Milk provides a rapid protein release with whey and a sustained protein release with casein, according to Muscle Milk Protein.
Additives
Although some products use a whey protein base, vitamin and nutrition stores carry pure whey protein powder. This powder will contain only whey protein, which is low in carbohydrates and fat according to the Whey Protein Institute. CytoSport Muscle Milk has many additives fueled toward the serious athlete's needs, including vitamins, bovine colostrum, which is the nutrient rich part of mother's milk, and minerals. However, Muscle Milk's ingredient list also contains maltodextrin, which is a food additive that is not found in whey protein. The premixed, ready-to-drink Muscle Milk shakes also contain canola oil and cocoa powder, unlike the whey protein powder, according to Muscle Milk Protein.
Timing and Purpose
Muscle Milk encourages use of its product for strength, muscle bulk and endurance. Whey protein does not contain the extra vitamin and minerals added to Muscle Milk, and therefore cannot claim to increase stamina. As whey proteins are easily broken down and absorbed by the human digestive system, the timing of taking these proteins is not as sensitive as Muscle Milk. Muscle Milk Protein encourages taking this supplement before, during and after workouts as well as at bedtime. The bedtime dosage, due to the long-lasting casein proteins, allows for muscle growth and repair during sleep, when the muscles could otherwise become depleted and shrink according to Muscle Milk Protein.
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