Whey Protein: Concentrate, Isolate and Hydrolyzed

Overview

Whey is one of the two main milk proteins, the other being casein. Whey protein powders are dietary supplements sold to add protein to the diet, mostly to people who lift weights or want a convenient protein source. In the US, the FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed, and can act only after a product is on the market. [3] For most people a balanced diet already provides enough protein, and these products are not necessary. [4]

This page is the whey profile. Three narrower questions live elsewhere: the three-way form question on Whey Concentrate vs Isolate vs Hydrolysate, whey against plant powders on Whey vs Plant Protein, and milk-protein allergy and lactose on Milk Protein in Powders.

Evidence labels used below: evidence in adequately nourished people means trials in healthy people who already eat enough protein; mixed means studies disagree or the comparison is indirect; insufficient evidence means too few good studies; physiology study means a short experiment on how the body handles a meal, not a health outcome.

What whey is and the three common forms

A review of whey products describes concentrate as having fat and lactose along with 29 to 89 percent protein, isolate as 90 percent protein, and hydrolysate as partially digested. [5] The concentrate does not go through rigorous filtration, so it keeps some fat and lactose. [5] The label, not the word on the tub, tells you the protein per serving.

What research shows

A meta-analysis of 49 trials with 1,863 people found that, with protein supplementation, total intakes above about 1.6 g per kg of body weight per day gave no further gain in fat-free mass. [10] That is a finding about trial groups, not a personal target. See Protein for Muscle, Resistance Training and Recovery and Protein Powders vs Whole Foods.

For older adults and muscle loss, whey is one option studied inside a program that includes exercise; see Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss With Age.

Lactose and milk allergy

Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune system disorder. [11] Most people with lactose intolerance can consume some lactose without symptoms, and the amount differs from person to person. [11] The NHS lists protein shakes among processed foods that can contain lactose. [2] Because concentrate keeps some lactose, an isolate may suit some people better, but the sources we read give no lactose amounts by product type and no trial testing this, so treat it as a question for the label and a clinician. The NHS lists cows' milk first among common allergic foods. [1] In the US, milk is one of nine major food allergens named by the FDA. [12] Hydrolyzed whey is still milk-derived, so a milk allergy needs a specialist's advice.

Product and label tips

Check the serving size, protein per serving, added sugar and sweeteners, and the allergen statement. See Reading Supplement Labels, Protein Powder Safety and Quality Testing and Certifications.

Related

Casein Protein · Plant Protein Powders · Amino Acids & Protein