Although both whey protein and whey isolate are derived from the same concentration of milk, whey isolate is simply whey protein that has been filtered in a process to help remove lactose from the powder itself. This is to create a leaner, lower fat source of protein. Many whey and whey isolate products contain added sugar to improve their flavor. Check labels to see if they contain sugar and if they contain processed ingredients, such as artificial flavors.
Nutrition experts suggest that you limit the amount of processed foods you eat, and that includes some whey and whey isolate products. If you have lactose intolerance, whey isolate is a better option than whey concentrate. Much of the lactose and sugars are removed from the isolated whey during processing. However, if you have an allergy to dairy products, both whey and whey isolate can cause an upset stomach.
In that case, opt for plant-based proteins instead. Whey protein isolate is mostly considered the preferred choice to whey protein concentrate. Whey protein isolate undergoes a much more intensive filtration process than whey protein concentrate. This causes more carbohydrates and fats to be eliminated, so whey protein isolate contains fewer calories than whey protein concentrate.
In short, both proteins go through a filtration process, and the isolate is subject to a more intensive process. This allows the isolate to be lower in calories, carbohydrates and fats than the concentrate and, at the same time, to maintain its high protein content. Whey protein concentrate is also low in fat, carbohydrates and calories and contains a pure protein content and usually has a lower price. While normal whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process, native whey is filtered directly from raw milk.
In general, the processing steps used in the production of whey isolate result in a higher protein content and a lower fat and carbohydrate content per serving. Rich in BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) and glutamine, whey protein concentrate is an excellent choice for those looking to build or maintain muscles, or recover after a workout. If different processing steps are used to reduce the fat and carbohydrate content of whey, a whey isolate powder containing 90% or more protein by weight can be produced (. Both whey isolate and whey concentrate are high-quality proteins, and it is reasonable to expect them to produce similar effects if an equivalent dose of protein is ingested (.
Whey isolate may be a good option for those who are carefully limiting their intake of fat, carbohydrates, or lactose, although this form of whey is usually more expensive. Because whey protein isolate goes through a longer manufacturing process, it is usually a little more expensive, although it contains less lactose. As we have mentioned, whey protein concentrate contains around 80% protein content, while isolate contains around 90%. Whey protein concentrate is also often considered to be the most popular, efficient, and affordable protein on the market today.
Taking a slightly larger dose of whey concentrate can result in you getting the same total amount of protein as you would with an isolated whey product, often at a lower cost. Derived from milk during the cheese-making process, whey is the liquid portion of milk that is separated from the curd. If you've ever opened a container of yogurt and found liquid on top, then you know exactly what whey is. Similar to whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate contains an incredibly lean nutrition label.
