PROTIEN 101 ... YOU DO IT
Repair of body cells
Build and repair muscles and bones
Provide a source of energy
Regulate many important metabolic processes in the body
Q: What Are Whey Proteins?
A: Whey proteins are high quality and nutritious dairy proteins. Milk contains two primary proteins: casein and whey protein. When cheese is produced the liquid whey separates from the 'curd' or casein. The whey proteins are then separated from the liquid whey and purified to various concentrations of whey protein. The graphs below provide more detail on the composition of milk.
Q: Are All Whey Proteins The Same?
A: The composition of whey protein products will vary based upon several factors including:
Source of the Milk
Method of Production
Type of Cheese Being Produced
Individual Manufacturer Specifications
Q: How Are Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate Different?
A: Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein and contains between 90 to 95% protein. It contains little (if any) fat or lactose. Whey protein concentrate is available in a number of different types based upon the protein content of the product, which can range between 25%-89%. It will contain some lactose, fat, and minerals. As the protein level increases the amount of lactose decreases. Whey protein concentrate at an 80% protein content is the form most readily available as a protein powder supplement.
Q: What Is Hydrolyzed Whey Protein?
A: The process of hydrolysis breaks the protein chains down into smaller segments called peptides. Hydrolyzed whey protein is more easily digested and has a reduced potential for allergic reactions versus non-hydrolyzed whey protein. The quality of the protein, however, remains very high. Sports nutrition products and infant formulas often use hydrolyzed whey protein for these reasons. A recent clinical study also found that a specific type of hydrolyzed whey protein was helpful in lowering blood pressure.
Q: How Much Protein Does A Person Need Each Day?
A: The protein calculator will help you estimate the total amount of protein you need each day based on your weight and activity level. Individuals with special medical needs should consult a physician or registered dietitian for personalized protein recommendations. If you are consuming high amounts of protein be sure to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day to help prevent dehydration.
* Click on the calculator to find your daily protein requirement!
Q: What Individual Components Are Found In Whey Protein?
A: Whey proteins are not a single protein but consist of a number of individual protein components. In recent years new technology has enabled manufacturers to isolate and further purify some of these individual components. Many are now available in an isolated form. The following is a list of the individual components in whey protein. Click each one for additional information:
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Beta-Lactoglobulin | ![]() |
Glycomacropeptide (GMP) |
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Alpha-lactalbumin | ![]() |
Lactoferrin |
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Immunoglobulins | ![]() |
Lactoperoxidase |
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Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) | ![]() |
Lysozyme |
Whey proteins have a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1.14. The reported score is 1.0, which is the maximum value allowed by the USDA for reporting purposes. The PDCAAS is the USDA’s officially approved method of scoring protein quality.
Another method used to measure protein quality is the Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER). Whey proteins have a PER of 3.2, making it one of the highest single source proteins. The PER rating is based upon the evaluation of the growth of animals consuming a fixed amount of dietary protein from a single source. As the PER increases, so does the quality of the protein.
Biological Value (BV), another measure of protein quality, measures the amount of protein that is retained from the absorbed protein for maintenance and growth. It measure's the fraction of the nitrogen in the diet that remains after the nitrogen losses in the waste products have been subtracted. Whey proteins have a biological value of 100, which is higher than the value for casein (milk protein), soy protein, beef, or wheat gluten.
Studies show that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can add years to your life and help prevent weight related complications, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Diet plays a key role in any weight management program and adding whey protein often helps make a positive difference. Here are some of the reasons why.
- The body requires more energy to digest protein than other foods (thermic effect) and as a result you burn more calories after a protein meal.
- Whey protein isolate is pure protein with little to no fat or carbohydrates. It is a perfect complement to any low carbohydrate or low glycemic index diet plan.
- Recent studies by Dr. Donald Layman, a professor at the University of Illinois, have highlighted the role of the essential amino acid leucine in improving body composition. High quality whey protein is rich in leucine to help preserve lean muscle tissue while promoting fat loss. Whey protein contains more leucine than milk protein, egg protein and soy protein.
- Protein helps to stabilize blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by lowering insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat.
- Whey protein contains bioactive components that help stimulate the release of two appetite-suppressing hormones: cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In support of this, a new study found that whey protein had a greater impact on satiety than casein, the other protein in milk. Adding whey protein to a mid-day snack or beverage provides healthy energy and may help control food intake at the next meal.
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Proud Obesity Help Bariatric Life Coach
Proud Obesity Help Support Group Leader
Fighting Daily the Disease We Call Obesity !
www.obesityhelp.com/group/LifeStartsWLS08
www.vawlsevents.com
Helping Others Find Their Way to a Life They Deserve!
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