Whey Protein FAQs
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from cow’s milk. Whey protein is also one of the richest sources of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine and valine.
In comparison to many other proteins, on a gram-to-gram basis, whey protein delivers more essential amino acids to the body and is quickly and efficiently absorbed.
What are the benefits of whey protein?
Whey protein consumption can increase production, or synthesis, of muscle protein, which may improve body composition in combination with exercise.
Why is whey protein good for athletes and people who exercise?
Research shows that consuming a high-quality protein such as whey protein in combination with resistance exercise can boost the rate at which the body makes lean muscle mass and may improve body composition. In fact, a combination of protein intake and resistance exercise yields better results compared to having either of the two alone or combining resistance training with drinking a beverage that contains only carbohydrates.
Can people who are lactose intolerant eat whey protein?
Whey protein isolate, with 90%-plus protein and less than 1% lactose, and whey protein concentrate 80, with 80% protein and less than 4% lactose, are purified forms of whey protein that are unlikely to pose problems for someone with lactose intolerance.
What are essential and non-essential amino acids?
The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. The body, however, is not able to make essential amino acids; the only way to get them is through diet. One of the best ways to ensure you are meeting your needs is by eating high-quality protein foods. Protein sources that contain all of the essential amino acids are called complete proteins. Whey protein is a naturally complete protein.
How much whey protein is needed to stimulate protein synthesis?
Research shows that consuming at least 20g of whey protein following resistance exercise results in an increase in muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults.
Does the addition of whey protein to a food or beverage change its taste?
Whey protein has a fresh, neutral taste and will not usually change the flavor of the foods to which it is added.
What products contain whey protein?
Whey protein can be found in almost every food and beverage aisle of the supermarket. A natural component of cow’s milk and yogurt, whey protein is also found in sports nutrition products, such as drinks, energy bars and powdered mixes for smoothies and shakes. Meal replacements, baked goods, snacks and entrées also may contain whey protein. See a typical nutrition bar ingredient list.