Whey Protein Concentrate Vs. Isolate: Similarities And Differences

Protein bars, drinks, and powders are top-selling dietary supplements today. The most common protein typically found in these foodstuffs is whey protein, both from milk. 

There are two types of whey protein, whey concentrate and whey isolate. If you are interested in knowing the difference between these two whey protein types, read on. 

Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein: What It Means

Protein powders, drinks, and bars contain protein obtained from milk. During the production of yogurt or cheese, milk is separated into two components. The liquid component is what is referred to as whey. 

The liquid contains whey protein, a fast-digesting form of protein. Unprocessed milk contains about 20% whey, while the remaining percentage comprises casein proteins (slower-digesting). 

Whey, in particular, is more beneficial because it promotes the production of protein in the muscles. 

Whey protein concentrate and whey isolate are produced using different techniques. That's why they have additional nutritional content.

The Difference Between Whey Concentrate And Whey Isolate

Whey concentrate and whey isolate have many differences. The difference comes about because their processing methods aren’t the same. 

After collecting liquid whey in yogurt or cheese production, it has to undergo further processing to boost its protein content.

Once the right amount of protein is achieved, the whey is dried to form a powder with about 80% protein and 20% fats and carbohydrates. 

Further processing is necessary to produce whey isolate with a protein content of about 90% and 10% carbohydrate and fat. Whey isolate, therefore, has a lower carbohydrate and fat content than whey concentrate. 

The lactose content in whey isolate is also lower than that in whey concentrate. This means it will be a better option for you if you are lactose intolerant. 

Apart from their nutritional differences, these two protein types also differ in their pricing. Whey concentrate costs less than whey isolate. This can be attributed to the fact that whey isolate is highly pure compared to whey concentrate.

However, taking large amounts of whey concatenate will provide you with enough doses of protein at a lower cost.

Whey Protein Concentrate

Whey Concentrate And Whey Isolate Have The Same Benefits

Whey concentrate and whey isolate contain the same amino acids, explaining why their benefits are the same, their different nutritional content notwithstanding. 

When it comes to protein intake, what matters most is that you take the right amount your body needs per day. 

Because both whey concentrate and whey isolate are high-quality proteins, it’s only natural that they have similar effects when equivalent doses are taken.

The only thing you need to remember is that you’ll have to take a little more whey concentrate to get the same amount of protein as in whey isolate. 

Final Word

Whey protein has many easy-to-digest proteins. Many dietary supplements contain whey protein in the form of either whey concentrate or whey isolate. 

These two protein types differ in their nutritional value because of the difference in their production process. However, they have the same effect on the body because they contain the same amino acids. 

If you want to limit carb, lactose or fat in your diet, whey isolate would be your best bet. 

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