Protein provides the building blocks for muscle strength and growth. As a result, protein supplements are used by athletes, growing youth and pregnant women as a way supplement diets with additional protein. There are several different brands, types and flavors of protein supplements with different ingredients and backgrounds. Two of the more popular supplements are whey protein and protein powder.
Types
Whey protein can be found in two forms--whey isolate and whey concentrate. Whey isolate is a pure high-quality protein that contains at least 90 percent protein with less lactose than whey protein concentrate. Whey concentrate will typically have 70 to 85 percent protein.
Protein powders can contain casein, egg protein or soy protein. Soy protein is not a complete protein and must be fortified with additional amino acids to make it a complete protein.
Where They Come From
Whey protein--naturally available in milk--is derived from milk during the process of cheese-making. It is produced from the thin liquid by-product and then dried to form whey protein powder. Soy comes from soybeans, which is a legume and carbohydrate.
Function
Most people will use both whey protein and protein powder as a meal replacement or supplement to promote muscle growth. Whey protein is taken following workouts because it is absorbed by the body very quickly due to chemical structure and provides high levels of amino acids. Soy is not easily digested and takes longer to absorb into the body.
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