Whey Protein Isolate

About Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is the highest quality protein source available, rich in bioavailable amino acids. WPI is one of the two proteins found in cow's milk, along with casein. Unflavoured whey protein isolate is typically around 90% protein by weight, and low in fat and carbohydrates (0.5-1% lactose). However, with seasonal variation in the protein quantity in cow's milk, whey protein isolate can vary from 88 to 91% protein content. WPI protein is a rapid absorption product, due to the fact that it is quickly digested and rapdily absorbed.

Whey protein naturally has a high biological value of 104, the only protein yet discovered to have a higher figure than egg (rated at 100). In nutrition medicine, the protein and amino acid quality of all foods and supplements are generally compared to egg. The high biological value of whey protein, and especially whey protein isolate, indicates that the protein structure is easily broken down by the digestive tract for absorption. Manufacturing of whey protein isolate uses different processes including ion exchange and microfiltration, and even hydrolysis for a hydrolyzed product.

Whey protein isolate typically contains around 22-24% branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are naturally occurring within the complex protein structure. WPI is a powerful stimulator of mTOR, due to its high leucine content, one of the major triggers for protein synthesis. Though a meaningful serving size needs to be consumed in order to achieve this, equivalent to roughly 20-30 grams of protein. Protein synthesis is an anabolic state that repairs and builds crucial parts of the human body, such as organs, collagen, bone and muscle.

Given the low level of milk-sugar in WPI protein, most lactose intolerant people are fine using this product regularly. A 30 gram serve of WPI typically contains 200mg (0.2g) of lactose, however this should be checked on the packaging if you are lactose sensitive. The sugar content found in the nutritional table is often 100% lactose when it comes to WPI products, unless there are other sugar containing ingredients in the formula, such as flavours, which will show up on the ingredients list. 

Whey protein isolate is perfect for recovery, repair and lean muscle gains, or to supplement a diet that is low in quality protein. WPI is an excellent source of essential amino acids (EAAs) and other conditionally and non-essential amino acids.

There have been countless clinical trials conducted over the past few decades looking into the benefits of whey protein isolate for various health conditions. It also support sports and exercise performance and recovery. WPI may be taken post-workout, between meals or taken with low protein meals.