Whey Protein
(25 of 48)What is whey protein?
Whey protein is the protein found in milk whey, the liquid left over when cheese is made from milk. The whey is filtered to separate the protein from fat, lactose and minerals, then dried into the powder you mix with water or milk. It is a complete protein, with all the essential amino acids, and it is the most common base among protein powders.
What is the difference between whey concentrate, isolate and blends?
It depends on how far the whey has been filtered. You can see the differences in the nutrition table.
| Type | What it is | Protein per 100 g, typically | Fat, sugars and lactose | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whey concentrate | whey filtered once | 70 to 80 g | present in small amounts | in this category |
| Blend | concentrate with isolate, sometimes hydrolysate | 75 to 85 g | reduced | in this category |
| Whey isolate | whey filtered more thoroughly | 85 to 90 g and above | kept to a minimum | Whey isolate and hydrolysate |
| Hydrolysed whey and clear whey | protein broken down into peptides with enzymes | depends on the starting base | as in the starting base | Whey isolate and hydrolysate |
Typical values for each product type: the figures for each product are on its own page and vary by flavour.
How do you read a whey protein label?
The first figure is protein per 100 g, which lets you compare products with different servings; protein per serving depends on how many grams the scoop holds. Next comes the ingredient list: whey protein should come first, and the wording tells you whether it is concentrate, isolate or both. Then check sugars, fat and sweeteners, and the number of servings per pack, which tells you how long a tub lasts. Many labels also show the amino acid profile per serving, including the branched chain amino acids.
When should you take whey protein?
After training or between meals, to reach your daily protein intake when food alone is not enough. Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass and to the maintenance of muscle mass. Mix one serving with 200 to 300 ml of water or milk, in a shaker or a blender.
Whey protein brands at Citymuscle
In this category you will find whey from Allnutrition, Rule One, Weider, Mutant, Dorian Yates, Roma Victor, Skill Nutrition, Universal Nutrition, Nortech Nutrition, Evogen, Cellucor and ProSupps, from a small tub to try a flavour to a large size for regular use. If you avoid milk, there are vegan and plant proteins.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Skill Nutrition
Dorian Yates
Guides on Whey Protein
Go to the JournalProtein powder: how to read the label before you choose
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