The Difference Between Hydrolyzed Whey Protein And Regular Whey Protein

Whey protein is the undisputed protein of choice among bodybuilders and others looking to build muscle, notes the American Council on Exercise. It’s popular, in part, because it’s a complete protein that is easy to digest. Whey protein comes in varying forms, including hydrolyzed whey protein and regular whey protein powder. Some forms are easier to digest than others – especially if you have a milk sensitivity or are lactose intolerant.

Whey Protein Powder

Whey protein powder typically contains 50 to 89 percent protein. This is a purified, undenatured form of whey, meaning the proteins maintain their original structure. The remainder of these products consists of lactose, fat, ash and mineral. While this form of whey protein presents problems if you are lactose intolerant, some companies add the enzyme lactase to their formulations to aid lactose digestion, according to “Sports Nutrition,” by Judy Anne Driskell.

Hydrolyzed Whey

Hydrolyzed whey is whey protein that is processed by treating it with acid conditions and high heat to isolate the protein. This is one of the easiest ways to purify whey protein, and such products typically have 90 to 95 percent whey protein. This process creates small peptides, or bonds that link the amino acids. This, in turn, makes hydrolyzed whey protein easy for your body to absorb. While such whey protein isolates are the purest type of whey protein because most fat and lactose are separated out, the proteins become denatured during this manufacturing process. This reduces the effectiveness of the protein, according to the September 2004 Journal of Sports Science and Medicine article “Protein – Which is Best?” by Jay R. Hoffman and Michael J. Falvo.

Hydrolyzed Whey Digestability and Considerations

If you have a milk allergy, you may be able to digest hydrolyzed whey protein without problems. That’s because the allergenic native proteins are no longer present in this form of whey protein, according to Driskell. However, check with a doctor before trying hydrolyzed whey protein if you have a milk allergy. You also may be able to use such products if you are lactose intolerant because most of the lactose is removed during processing, note Hoffman and Falvo. Hydrolyzed whey protein has some undesirable characteristics, however. It is extremely bitter, for example, according to “Diets Designed for Athletes,” by Maryann Karinch.

Whey Protein Powder Considerations

When it comes to whey protein powder, there are several forms. These include acid whey, demineralized whey and whey protein concentrate, or sweet whey. Whey protein concentrate consists of sweet dairy whey that’s been concentrated to get more protein per gram. While this gets rid of some of the lactose, fat, ash and minerals, it does not get rid of all of them. Protein content can vary widely, but most standard whey protein concentrate has 70 to 80 percent protein, according to Karinch. Demineralized whey is frequently used as a food additive, such as for infant formulas. Acid whey also is commonly incorporated into foods like salad dressings.