Types Of Whey
Whey protein powders are available in three forms, depending on the type of technology used to process liquid whey. These include:
1). Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey Protein Concentrate is the first form of concentrated whey protein derived by an ultrafiltration process. Depending on the extent of filtration, a high quality Whey Protein Concentrate can have protein percentage ranging from 34-80%. Whey Protein Concentrates have a low fat content, but the lactose content in them is still higher than other forms of whey.
☞Intact Microfractions
Because of comparatively milder processing, Whey Protein Concentrates are able to retain bioactive microfractions in an intact form compared to the other types of whey proteins. An imbalance in this microfraction ratio can affect immunity post-training.
☞ Versatility
The microfractions Alpha-lactalbumin, Beta- lactoalbumin and Glycomacropeptides are rich source of key BCAAs which are required for triggering muscle protein synthesis.
2). Whey Protein Isolate
Considered the purest form of protein, Whey Protein Isolates have the highest percentage of protein content, close to 90%. The high protein content obviously means lower amounts of lactose, fat and ash minerals. As a result, Whey Protein Isolates are also absorbed faster in comparison to Whey Protein Concentrates.
☞ CFM Technology Superior to Ion Exchange Technology
Whey Protein Isolates are generally obtained either through Ion exchange or Cross Flow Microfiltration (CFM) technology. The major difference amongst the two being that Ion exchange involves the use of acid treatment to charge the particles and isolate Whey protein from the fat, carbohydrate and mineral compounds. This use of acid, however, leads to destruction of valuable protein microfractions. In CFM, Whey Protein Isolates are derived using membrane filtration which cause minimal destruction of these microfractions and result in a highly valued Whey Isolate product.
☞ Low Lactose content
Because of the advanced processing, Whey Protein Isolates have negligible amounts of lactose – the milk sugar that is difficult to digest for those who are intolerant. Whey Protein Isolates are therefore perfect to use for lactose intolerant or sensitive individuals.