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Whey Protein

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Whey’s unique nutritional advantages make it superior to other protein sources for muscle-building applications.

Whey liquid isolating from curds during the cheese-making process.
Whey liquid isolating from curds during the cheese-making process. By IAPH [CC0 1.0], via Europeana
Whey protein is a popular dietary supplement used primarily for supporting lean muscle mass. Whey protein appears to have a variety of benefits for human health:

  • Improved weight loss. Whey may be better than other protein sources at promoting loss of fat.
  • Antioxidant support. By providing large concentrations of the amino acid cysteine, whey protein helps maintain healthy levels of the antioxidant glutathione.
  • Serotonin support. Whey protein may be able to increase low serotonin levels by providing tryptophan.
  • Blood pressure support. Whey proteins called lactokinins appear to suppress an enzyme that promotes blood vessel constriction.
  • Regulation of fats. Whey may be able to suppress elevated  blood levels of cholesterol and other fat molecules in overweight/obese people.
  • Alleviation of age-related muscle loss. Whey’s rapid absorption appears to make it ideal for stimulating muscle growth in older individuals.

Overview

Whey protein is isolated from whey, the liquid part of milk that is left over during the cheese-making process. Whey contains carbohydrates such as lactose, minerals, fats, and several types of proteins. It is these proteins — mainly alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, serum albumin, and immunoglobins –that are isolated from whey using various techniques to produce whey protein powder.

Whey protein is a ‘complete’ source of protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body requires for proper function but cannot produce by itself. It has particularly high levels of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) – leucine,  isoleucine, and valine – that are heavily involved in the maintenance of muscle tissue.

Whey protein is widely used as a dietary supplement for people who wish to up their protein intake, and is most popular with bodybuilders looking to increase muscle growth from resistance training. It is also used for helping with sacropenia (age-related muscle loss), weight loss, weight gain, and some medical conditions.

Whey is classified as a “fast” protein source because of how quickly it leads to a rise in amino acid availability, which may make it ideal for consumption near workout time.1
bodybuilding whey protein muscle growth
Whey protein supplementation is most popular with bodybuilders looking to maximize muscle growth achieved by resistance training. Image by skeeze licensed under CC0 1.0

Types of Whey Protein

Whey protein comes in four major forms:

  • Whey Powder. Whey used as an additive in a variety of food products. This simple powder contains 11-14.5% whey protein and 63-75% lactose.
  • Whey Concentrate. Whey protein that had most of its water, lactose, and some minerals removed. Concentrates can contain anywhere from 25-89% whey protein, but typically provide 80% and are sold as dietary/sports supplements. Compared to isolates, whey concentrates are cheaper, can be beneficial for weight loss due to a slower digestion time, and are considered more nutritious because of more biologically active components.
  • Whey Isolate. A more purified version of concentrate that contains 90% or more whey protein and very little lactose. Compared to concentrates, whey isolates have the advantage of higher protein content, and being ideal for lactose intolerant individuals. Some of the proteins in isolates become denatured which reduces their overall nutritional value, but this has no effect on building muscle.2
  • Whey Hydrolysate. A form of whey concentrate or isolate where the proteins has been hydrolyzed, breaking them apart into their constituent amino acids. This has the advantage of making the supplement even easier to absorb, which may make it better at repairing exercise-induced muscle damage.3
Whey accounts for 20% of the protein content of cow’s milk, with the other 80% being taken up by casein proteins. Until its nutritional qualities were realized, it used to be considered a waste by-product of making cheese.

Whey Protein’s Beneficial Bio-Activities

Aside from the general properties of protein, whey protein has a number of unique mechanisms of action:

Glutathione support

glutathione-3rd-structure
Glutathione molecular structure. By Benjah-bmm27 [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons
One of the main unique advantages of whey protein is that it provides high levels of the amino acid cysteine, which is used by the body to produce the potent antioxidant glutathione. Although supplementing whey protein does not further increase already optimal glutathione levels, there are many situations that reduce glutathione, such as intense exercise, health disorders, and aging. 4

Enhancement of tryptophan

Alpha-lactalbumin, one of the main proteins in whey, is particularly rich in the amino acid tryptophan that is required to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin dysfunction have been linked to a wide variety of mental disorders including depression and anxiety, and as early research indicates, supplementing whey protein may be able to raise serotonin production and thus have a positive impact on depression, stress, and other cognitive aspects.

Inhibition of the ACE enzyme

ACE is an enzyme known for stimulating the constricting of blood vessels, which results in increased blood pressure. It appears that certain proteins called lactokinins in whey are capable of inhibiting the action of this enzyme, resulting in the reduction of blood pressure.5

Potential suppression of lipids

Another possible biological activity of whey protein is the suppression of various fat compounds such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers theorize that proteins in whey may directly affect the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, inhibit its absorption in the intestine, and block certain genes involved in the production and absorption of fatty acids.

Far more popular than liquid whey: Whey protein powder is the form most commonly consumed as a supplement, especially in pre-workout and post-workout applications.

Whey Protein’s Reputation & Proposed Benefits

Promotion of muscle growth

Whey protein is far and away the most popular protein supplement for supporting muscle growth. Whey is regarded as the best source of protein for building muscle when combined with resistance training, and indeed there is some scientific evidence to support this:

  • Whey protein contains some of the highest concentrations of essential amino acids of any protein source, including the three BCAAs. These are needed not just for muscle growth and repair but overall body function.
  • Whey protein has the highest known concentrations of the BCAA leucine (up to 14 g / 100 g), which is unique among amino acids for its ability to directly stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and may also possibly suppress muscle protein breakdown.6
  • Whey protein is digested and absorbed easily and quickly, and has been shown to result in a much larger acute (up to 3 hours after consumption) spike in muscle protein synthesis than other protein sources.

However, the debate of whether these advantages add up to higher muscle gain in the long-term is still ongoing. While some studies have indeed shown whey protein to result in more lean body mass gains than other sources such as casein following prolonged (10 weeks+) consumption and strength training, others have reported no difference. In the end, more research is needed to back this up with real data.

Essential amino acid composition of whey versus other common protein sources.
Essential amino acid composition of whey versus other common protein sources (Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein).

 

Did you know? One common debate among resistance training practitioners is whether whey or any other protein source should be taken before or after exercise for the best results on muscle recovery and growth. Thus far, research suggests that there is no significant difference between pre and post-workout supplementation on muscle protein synthesis following strength training.

Promotion of weight loss

A number of studies have shown that whey protein might complement fat burner regimens: It appears to promote body fat reduction and decreases loss of muscle during weight loss, most likely by increasing the feeling of satiety. And even though high-protein diets have been shown to support weight loss regardless of the protein source, there is some evidence to suggest that whey may do this better than other protein sources, such as soy and casein.7 8

In addition, whey protein may suppress elevated levels of lipids such as cholesterol in overweight and obese individuals, reducing the risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Alleviation of age-related muscle mass reduction

Aging is associated with loss of muscle mass known as sarcopenia, and one of the reasons for this is an impaired response to dietary protein. Research suggests that in older individuals, whey protein may be utilized better by the body than other protein sources, resulting in increased muscle protein synthesis for at least several hours after ingestion.9

As such, whey protein may be the best protein source for attenuating muscle loss in the elderly.

Enhanced antioxidant defense

Whey protein appears to support the body’s antioxidant defenses by maintaining optimal levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant compound naturally made and stored in the human body. Glutathione levels can be reduced in some situations, such as after intense exercise, in some health conditions, and in older individuals, making the body more vulnerable damage caused by oxidative stress.

Blood pressure balance support

One of the lesser known benefits of whey protein appears to be support for normal blood pressure. This potential bio-activity has been reported in several studies.10

Research

Human Research

Whey protein may improve blood pressure and cardiovascular function in overweight/obese people

In this randomized study, 70 overweight or obese people were supplemented daily with whey protein isolate, casein (both containing 54 g protein), or placebo for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was substantially reduced at week 6 for both whey and casein groups, while diastolic blood pressure decreased by week 12. In addition, Augmentation index — a measure of cardiovascular health — was also improved by week 12 only in the whey group.

  • The researchers concluded that “supplementation with whey protein improves blood pressure and vascular function in overweight and obese individuals“11

Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate may result in better muscle mass, fat loss, and strength improvements from resistance training than casein

This double-blind trial examined whether whey protein isolate is superior to casein for improving muscle mass and strength gains from resistance training. Thirteen bodybuilders took either 1.5 g/kg body weight hydrolyzed whey isolate or casein protein daily while undergoing training for 10 weeks.

The whey group saw greater improvements in lean mass (+5 kg vs +0.8 kg casein), fat mass (- 1.5 kg vs +0.2 kg casein), and strength, although the researchers noted that these results are limited by the small sample size and the fact that the subjects in the whey group weighted 4.5 kg more on average at the start of the study.

  • The researchers concluded that “the group that consumed whey isolate demonstrated a significantly greater gain in lean body mass and strength. This group also experienced a significant decrease in fat mass compared to the casein group“12

Whey protein does not appear to be superior to soy for building muscle when undergoing strength training

In this randomized, double-blind study, researchers compared the effects of whey and soy protein in combination with resistance training. Twenty-seven untrained participants supplemented whey protein, (1.2 g/kg) soy protein (1.2 g/kg), or placebo daily for 6 weeks while undergoing training.

The study showed that protein supplementation increased muscle mass and strength regardless of protein source.

  • The researchers concluded that “young adults who supplement with protein during a structured resistance training program experience minimal beneficial effects in lean tissue mass and strength“13

Whey protein appears to support the antioxidant glutathione

This study tested whether whey protein supplementation could boost the body’s levels of glutathione, a natural antioxidant. In the first experiment, 9 sedentary men were given  0.8 or 1.6 g/kg whey protein isolate (WPI). In the second experiment 18 men involved in intense aerobic exercise took  1 g/kg body weight WPI daily for 6 weeks and completed a 40 km cycling trial.

Although glutathione levels were unaffected in the sedentary men, WPI mitigated the decrease in glutathione concentrations in the exercising group.

  • The researchers concluded that “The aerobic training period resulted in significantly lower glutathione concentrations in whole blood, an effect that was mitigated by WPI supplementation. A significant increase in mononuclear cell glutathione was also observed in subjects receiving the WPI supplement following the 40 km simulated cycling trial“14

Alpha-lactalbumin found in whey protein may improve mood and stress response in stress-prone individuals

This double-blind trial tested whether alpha-lactalbumin, one of the main proteins found in whey, can be helpful for stress-prone individuals. Twenty-nine people vulnerable to stress and 29 stress-resistant individuals followed a diet with casein protein (placebo)  or alpha-lactalbumin-enriched whey protein (A-lac) and were then exposed to stress.

The A-lac diet decreased depressive symptoms and cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the stress-vulnurable individuals.

  • The researchers concluded that “a diet composed of tryptophan-enriched whey proteins in healthy but stress-vulnerable subjects could improve the ability to cope with stress by enhancing brain serotonin function“15

Whey protein may promote weight loss in overweight/obese adults

In this double-blind, randomized trial, 90 overweight or obese adults were given a whey protein (56 g protein), soy protein (56g protein), or carbohydrate placebo drink daily for 23 weeks. At the end of the study, the whey group weighed on average 1.8 kg less and had 2.3 kg less body fat than the placebo group. Moreover, people in the whey group had smaller waist circumference than soy or placebo groups, and also had lower levels of ghrelin, a hormone that promotes appetite.

  • The researchers concluded that “after 6 mo of supplementation, there was a difference in body weight and fat mass between overweight and obese adults who consumed supplemental WP compared with those who consumed isoenergetic supplemental CHO“16

Whey protein appears to protect muscle and boost weight loss during dieting in older overweight/obese women

This double-blind, randomized study tested whether higher protein intake (as whey protein) could be beneficial for weight loss in older women. Thirty-one overweight or obese women (average age 65) followed a calorie-restricted diet and took either 50 g whey protein or maltodextrin placebo daily for 6 months.

The trial found that women in the whey group had greater weight loss (8% vs 4.1% placebo) and lower relative muscle loss.

  • The researchers concluded that “increasing protein intake during weight loss can offset the deleterious effects on muscle mass by maintaining more muscle relative to weight lost“17

Whey protein isolate may improve metabolic disorder risk factors in overweight/obese individuals

This study examined the benefits of whey protein for overweight and obese individuals. Seventy people were randomly assigned to take whey protein isolate (27 g protein), casein protein (also 27 g protein), or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks, and had their body composition and various blood parameters measured.

Although there was no significant change in body composition in any group, the whey group had lower levels of triglycerides, and saw a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, in addition to improved insulin resistance.

  • The researchers concluded that “whey protein has the potential to be used as an added component in dietary plans and in functional foods aimed at the management of chronic diseases in overweight and obese individuals“18

Whey protein may be more effective than casein for helping with age-related muscle loss

This study compared the muscle protein synthesis (MPS) effects of whey, casein, and casein hydrolysate protein in healthy older adults. Forty-eight older men (mean age 74) were randomly assigned to take 20 g of one of the three protein forms. Whey stimulated post-meal muscle synthesis better than either casein form, likely as a result of faster digestion and absorption, and higher leucine content.

  • The researchers concluded that “Whey protein is more effective than casein and casein hydrolysate at promoting postprandial muscle protein accretion in healthy older men…These data are of great clinical relevance to the determination of more effective nutritional strategies to attenuate age-related losses of muscle mass“19

Whey protein hydrolysate appears to be superior to casein and soy isolate for stimulating acute (3 hours after ingestion) muscle growth

This highly- cited study tested the effects of three different types of protein — whey hydrolysate, casein, and soy isolate — on muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in 18 resistance-trained men. The participants performed a bout of intense resistance leg exercise and took a drink containing one of the three protein types standardized to provide 10 g of essential amino acids. Their MPS was then tested in the exercised, and non-exercised (at rest) leg.

MPS in the whey group was 93% greater than casein and 18% greater than soy at rest, and 122% and 31% greater following exercise. In addition, whey protein resulted in the largest increase in blood essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and leucine in particular.

  • The researchers concluded that “consumption of whey protein hydrolysate stimulates skeletal MPS to a greater extent than either casein or soy“20

Whey Protein Dosage

  • Successful studies have used whey protein doses containing 20 g – 57 g protein daily
  • Whey protein supplements typically provide 15 – 30 g protein per scoop depending on the specific brand, recommended to be taken daily to reach your specific protein intake goals
  • For resistance training, 1.2- 1.5 g/kg body weight protein is recommended for optimal muscle growth, and taking a 20 g dose of whey protein immediately prior to or after exercise is ideal21
  • For sedentary individuals, 0.8 g/kg protein body weight is recommended

Supplements in Review Recommendation

  • Whey protein concentrate with 20 g protein daily or before/after resistance training.

Whey protein has many unique advantages and may be better than other protein sources. Although it’s too early to say anything conclusive, current research is leaning towards whey protein being somewhat better than other protein sources at promoting weight loss, and possibly muscle growth. When considered alongside its unique health benefits and high quality, whey is arguably the best protein source available.

Whey concentrates providing around 20 g protein per scoop are a good starting point. It’s difficult to suggest a single dosage and form since everyone has different goals, activity levels, and body weight. However, 20 g is a good starter dose to supplement your existing protein intake, or to take specifically before or after a strength workout.

References

Show 21 footnotes

  1. Hulmi JJ et al. Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010; 7: 51. ↩
  2. Hoffman JR and Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep; 3(3): 118–130. ↩
  3. Buckley JD et al. Supplementation with a whey protein hydrolysate enhances recovery of muscle force-generating capacity following eccentric exercise. J Sci Med Sport. 2010 Jan;13(1):178-81. ↩
  4. Sekhar RV et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Sep;94(3):847-53. ↩
  5. FitzGerald RJ, Meisel H. Milk protein-derived peptide inhibitors of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme. Br J Nutr. 2000 Nov;84 Suppl 1:S33-7. ↩
  6. Hulmi JJ et al. Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Jun 17;7:51 ↩
  7. Hall WL et al. Casein and whey exert different effects on plasma amino acid profiles, gastrointestinal hormone secretion and appetite. Br J Nutr. 2003 Feb;89(2):239-48. ↩
  8. Veldhorst MA et al. Dose-dependent satiating effect of whey relative to casein or soy. Physiol Behav. 2009 Mar 23;96(4-5):675-82. ↩
  9. Dangin M et al. The rate of protein digestion affects protein gain differently during aging in humans. J Physiol. 2003 Jun 1;549(Pt 2):635-44. ↩
  10. Kawase M et al. Effect of administration of fermented milk containing whey protein concentrate to rats and healthy men on serum lipids and blood pressure. J Dairy Sci. 2000 Feb;83(2):255-63. ↩
  11. Pal S, Ellis V. The chronic effects of whey proteins on blood pressure, vascular function, and inflammatory markers in overweight individuals. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010 Jul;18(7):1354-9. ↩
  12. Cribb PJ et al. The effect of whey isolate and resistance training on strength, body composition, and plasma glutamine. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006 Oct;16(5):494-509. ↩
  13. Candow DG et al. Effect of whey and soy protein supplementation combined with resistance training in young adults. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006 Jun;16(3):233-44. ↩
  14. Middleton N et al. Whole blood and mononuclear cell glutathione response to dietary whey protein supplementation in sedentary and trained male human subjects. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2004 Mar;55(2):131-41. ↩
  15. Markus CR et al. The bovine protein alpha-lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to the other large neutral amino acids, and in vulnerable subjects raises brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, and improves mood under stress. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6):1536-44. ↩
  16. Baer DJ et al. Whey protein but not soy protein supplementation alters body weight and composition in free-living overweight and obese adults. J Nutr. 2011 Aug;141(8):1489-94. doi: ↩
  17.   Mojtahedi MC et al. The effects of a higher protein intake during energy restriction on changes in body composition and physical function in older women. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 Nov;66(11):1218-25. ↩
  18. Pal S et al. Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individuals. Br J Nutr. 2010 Sep;104(5):716-23. ↩
  19. Pennings B et al. Whey protein stimulates postprandial muscle protein accretion more effectively than do casein and casein hydrolysate in older men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May;93(5):997-1005. ↩
  20. Tang JE et al. Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2009 Sep;107(3):987-92. ↩
  21. Witard OC et al. Myofibrillar muscle protein synthesis rates subsequent to a meal in response to increasing doses of whey protein at rest and after resistance exercise. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jan;99(1):86-95. ↩

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