Proteins are important nutrients needed as structural and functional components in living organisms. Just a few of their tasks include the facilitation of chemical reactions, muscle contractions, transportation of molecules such as oxygen through the blood, and the immune function. Protein powder, once derived from high-quality protein sources, is distilled to a concentrated form of protein. Certain types of powder are better and more efficient at getting protein to the cells for use.
Types
There are generally four types of protein powder: egg, soybean and, most ubiquitously, casein and whey. Casein and whey are the main proteins found in milk. Casein comprises 80 percent of milk proteins. It's the portion that can be curdled and turned into cheese. Whey comprises the remaining 20 percent.
Features
The building blocks of proteins are called amino acids. There are 20 amino acids. Half of them cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They are known as essential amino acids. Protein powder is made from foods that contain all of the essential acids --- soybean is the only plant-based protein that would qualify --- and are thus high quality in nature.
Significance
Each type of protein powder is very similar to the other, but according to the Whey Protein Institute, they also differ in key areas such as quantity of amino acids, digestion and absorption rates, fat content, taste and purity. Even similar types of protein powder may differ slightly due to the rate at which they are concentrated. Protein isolate, for example, is a highly distilled form; it also tends to cost more.
Comparisons
Whey protein is the most popular type of powder due to its high quality; therefore it probably is best to suit your needs. In terms of digestibility, it's just as good as a whole egg or casein and slightly better than beef protein. The quantity of amino acids is second only to a whole egg, and it contains many bioactive ingredients used to support immune functions. However, casein also has a few advantages. It contains the highest amount of the amino acid glutamine, which is used for cellular energy and anabolic processes, and it digests a little slower, so it's useful around bed time. The third type, egg protein powder, probably isn't much different than eating a whole egg, but it contains an excellent amount of amino acids and is an alternative source for people with allergies to casein, whey or soy.
Considerations
Soy protein is a vegetarian alternative to animal-based protein powder; although it's a good source of protein, it doesn't quite match up to other types of protein powder. It isn't as rich in branched chain amino acids --- special types of amino acids directly metabolized by the muscle tissue --- and many bioactive ingredients, says the Whey Protein Institute. It also contains isoflavins and other components that affect hormones.
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