Proteins are the “nobel matter” and key molecules of the body. These proteins are made of amino acids (AAs) which are the building block of proteins. However, your body can’t produce every type of amino acids; some essential amino acids can only be acquired in your diet. Whey is a powerful supplement that can provide those essential amino acids (EAAs). It is a byproduct of cheese making which is then turned into a powder as a supplement. However, not every protein supplement will affect the body the same way; depending on the type of whey you’re consuming, you could be missing out on life-enhancing benefits.
There are two common types of whey protein, whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI), they can differ by the way they are usually processed into a powder, and the way they are processed has different impacts on your body.
In the quest for optimal nutrition, the choice between the two can be confusing. Let's discuss the nuances of these forms of whey protein, how they're made, how they impact you and how WPC can offer a more complete and holistic approach to health and fitness.
Extraction Process
The differences between the two types of protein begin with the extraction process, where the differences between WPC and WPI first come to light. Whey concentrate undergoes a single ultra-filtration process, while isolate undergoes further purification through micro-filtration or ion-exchange step concentration.
Research indicates that WPI typically contains around 90% protein content, compared to approximately 80% in WPC. WPI tend to have lower levels of fats, carbohydrates, and lactose due to its additional purification steps.
The industrial processes involved in producing WPC and WPI play a significant role in determining their nutritional integrity.
Our WPC and some of the best WPCs are processed at low temperatures, preserving its natural properties, while traditional methods used for WPI may subject proteins to harsher conditions, potentially compromising their nutritional value.
Cold-filtration techniques employed in producing Protelicious help retain the integrity of proteins and delicate amino acids, minimising denaturation and oxidation.
In contrast, WPI fabrication, especially for gym and bodybuilding purposes, often uses methods such as ion exchange, higher temperatures, and extreme pH conditions more frequently. These methods increase the risk of protein denaturation, oxidation, and a partial loss of biological activity.
Impact on the Body
Delving deeper into the biochemical makeup of WPC and WPI reveals its impacts on the human body.
WPC contains essential fatty acids, antimicrobial peptides and immune regulators, which have tremendous impacts on the body. One of the most important of those ingredients is glycomacropeptide (GMP), a bioactive peptide with health benefits including antibacterial and prebiotic properties and immunomodulatory effects, which increases the body's immune response.
WPC also has the unexpected benefit of improved gut health. GMP modulates the control of hormones that regulate hunger, which are often thrown out of whack under a high-sugar diet. The regulation of this hormone helps with satiety, and with regular consumption, it will curb your sugar cravings altogether.
GMP has also been linked with anti-inflammatory properties in the skin, it helps with wound closures and stimulates the growth of skin cells. The gut bacteria improvement also impacts skin radiance making it a powerful tool for those with bad skin.
Furthermore, GMP is important for the production of antibodies; consuming WPC can boost your immune system through the production of white blood cells, which helps fight off infections and pathogens.
WPI, having gone through a longer process, carries a higher protein content than WPC, making it ideal for supporting muscle growth and bone density. WPI may sound like a cleaner option, however, the range of health benefits may therefore be limited when compared to WPC.
Table 1: Typical protein profile of WPC
Table 2: Typical protein profile of WPI after Ion Exchange process
Temperature, pH and Flavor
For any processed dairy product, the pH and temperature of the product will determine its final favor. An imbalance of pH, or an increase in temperature will cause milk proteins to denature and oxidise, resulting in bad flavours, similar in some cases to when milk has gone past its expiry date. And most of the protein powders currently available on the market will have been treated using these extreme treatments.
High-quality whey is processed at a low temperature, which keeps the proteins native and stable. Due to the extensive amount of processing that results in oxidation, this often leads to the development of a chalky taste, and off-flavours for WPI. WPC is richer and creamier due to its higher fat and lactose content. This leads to a deeper and more complex flavour, adding taste to any snack or meal you make with WPC.
The excellent smell and taste of Protelicious WPC is also a good signal/guarantee that oxidation of our whey is minimal during the industrial process.
Use Cases
When considering each supplement, it is important to understand which one is best for your needs.
Good quality WPI, with its higher level of protein and low levels of fats and carbohydrates, is a complete protein and a very efficient and effective supplement if your goal is to build muscle and support your muscle structure. It is also a great workout recovery tool.
As seen previously, the benefits of WPC go far beyond muscle and bone support. As well as being a great workout supplement, WPC works intricately with your body’s systems. Due to the components that are kept in the whey without the ion exchange process, key ingredients such as GMP provide varied benefits to your body. It will improve your immune system, antioxidant defences, support your gut health as well as curb sugar cravings, it helps your hair, skin, and nails look healthier. It even has positive impacts on cognition! WPC can be used as a holistic supplement to improve your whole body.
Conclusion
Armed with a deeper understanding of the differences between WPC and WPI, individuals can make more informed decisions about their dietary choices. Both forms of whey protein have their own benefits and use cases. WPI, having a higher protein content, can be important for building muscle and strengthening bone structure; when considering taste, it is also the less flavourful option. However, WPC, although it holds 10% less pure protein, it contains higher contents of fatty acids, peptides and carbohydrates that carry significant health benefits. It supports your muscle and bone structure, strengthens your immune system and white blood cell generation, improves your gut bacteria and aids digestion, keeps your hair, skin and nails healthy, and even supports cognition.
Fun fact, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, would prescribe whey for his patients who had stomach and skin ailments.
When deciding what supplements to take, it is important to know all the information about what you're consuming. High-quality whey protein isolate is a terrific supplement for pursuing gym goals and improving your muscle structure. However, high-quality whey protein concentrate works more widely; although it does support muscle and bone structure (and does a tremendous job of it), it also supports your whole body function. It truly is beyond just a protein powder and is more like the most complete supplement. Additionally, it also has a better and richer flavor due to the complex profile of the powder, making it a no-brainer for great snacks.
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By Chris Partrat and
