Whey FAQ
Learn more about whey protein and get answers to commonly asked questions. Find whey products by visiting Whey For You.
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is a high-quality protein naturally found in dairy. It is a complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids (“building blocks”) your body needs and is easy to digest. Whey protein is also one of the best sources of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) including leucine, which has been shown to stimulate muscle synthesis.
How is whey protein made?
Whey is one of two major proteins found in cow’s milk. Whey protein is produced during the process of making cheese, which begins when special enzymes are added to milk causing it to separate. The curds are used to make cheese, leaving behind whey protein in the liquid portion. This liquid whey is then pasteurized and dried into a powder for various uses.
Are some protein sources better than others?
The quality of protein varies. High-quality, “complete” protein sources include animal-based proteins such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, and whey protein. These foods supply all of the essential amino acids the body needs to build and maintain muscle and to function properly. Protein found in most plant foods, including legumes, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and grain products, is considered “incomplete” protein because it lacks some of the essential amino acids needed daily.
What are the health benefits of whey protein?
Maintain a Healthy Weight: A reduced calorie, higher protein diet including whey protein may improve the quality of weight loss by helping you lose more fat and/or maintain more lean muscle.
Curb Hunger: Calorie for calorie, whey protein can help people feel fuller longer than carbohydrates or fats.
Get Lean: Consuming whey protein and performing resistance exercise regularly can help build more lean muscle than resistance training alone or resistance training combined with carbohydrate consumption.
Enhance Exercise Recovery: Consuming whey protein after exercise helps to build and repair muscle.
Reduce Muscle Loss with Aging: Emerging research shows older Americans may be able to reduce the age-related decline of muscle mass by engaging in resistance training and consuming higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein.
How much protein does a person need?
Most people need at least 0.4 grams of protein for every pound of body weight to meet basic protein requirements. Although most people meet minimum protein requirements, athletes and older adults may benefit from a higher protein intake. To find out how much protein is best for you download the worksheet Assessing Your Daily Protein Intake.
Can a person get too much protein?
The Institute of Medicine recommends that 10 to 35 percent of the total calories we consume each day should come from protein. Although most people meet minimum protein requirements, athletes and older adults may benefit from a higher protein intake.
What is the difference between whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein?
Whey protein isolate contains a higher concentration of protein per gram than whey protein concentrate because other ingredients, including lactose, fat, and some vitamins and minerals, are removed. Both offer health benefits and are used in various foods and powders. Hydrolyzed whey protein is created when the protein chains are broken down into smaller chains of amino acids called “peptides.” This form of whey protein is most commonly used in infant formulas, medical protein supplements, and some sports drinks.
Can people who are lactose intolerant eat whey protein?
If you are lactose intolerant, or sensitive to lactose, the natural sugar found in milk products, you may be able to tolerate whey protein isolate, which contains very little lactose. The amount of lactose in whey protein concentrate is higher. As always, it is important to contact the manufacturer as lactose content can
vary from product to product.
Does whey protein contain gluten or wheat protein?
Whey protein does not contain any wheat protein or gluten. However, whey protein bars and beverages often contain added wheat-based ingredients, so be sure to check the ingredients list.
Does whey protein have a gritty or unpleasant taste like some other protein powders?
Whey protein has a clean, neutral flavor. When used in food manufacturing, it adds little or no taste. Whey protein dissolves easily in liquids and does not have a gritty mouth feel.
Where can whey protein be found?
Whey protein can be found in powders, drink mixes, energy bars, yogurt, and other foods. Products with whey protein as a major source of protein will list “whey protein isolate,” “whey protein concentrate,” or “hydrolyzed whey protein” near the beginning of the ingredients list. Whey protein powder is very convenient and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, soups, sauces, dips, baked goods, or other common foods. For more information about where to find whey protein, visit Whey For You.
What is sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle and function, is a progressive process that can be characterized by approximately 3-8% reduction in lean muscle mass per decade after 30 years of age, and this rate may be even higher as individuals age. Based on the current body of literature, sarcopenia may affect over 20% of people in their 60s and 70s, and nearly 50% of people over 80 years of age. Consuming enough high-quality protein can help maintain muscle mass, or slow muscle loss, associated with aging.