Whey protein began its popularity with athletes and body builders, but has continued to grow
in popularity as an aid for many health concerns. Whey protein definitely helps to increase
lean muscle mass. Without protein, you may spend hours in the gym and never increase your
lean muscle mass simply because you cannot grow a muscle without protein. It has also been
discovered that whey protein has many other health benefits. It is useful for weight loss,
specifically fat loss. Brain function relies on appropriate protein. It enhances immune
function by increasing important glutathione levels. There is much more. Whey protein has
been researched in prevention and life extension studies for such things as cancer, AIDS and
other degenerative diseases. It may help T-cell activity and decrease wasting tissues during
illness and therefore increase well-being and the speed of overall recovery.
Whey protein is now the most biologically available protein on the market which is why
athletes reach for it as their first choice. This means that whey protein is the most
easily absorbed, easy to utilize protein, with the most protein per serving.
Manufacturing a cheap basic whey powder for the food industry is easy and inexpensive;
however, your finished product will have a very low protein percentage (30 percent), a
high level of lactose and fat and a reduced level of the important immune-boosting
microfractions that makes whey protein so desirable. So how do you choose a good quality
whey protein? Well, there are several manufacturing techniques; however, most reputable
companies supplying good quality whey protein use one of three types of protein: Whey
Protein Concentrate 80 percent (WPC80), Ion Exchange Whey Protein Isolate (IE WPI), or
Cross Flow Whey Protein Isolate (CF WPI).
If manufactured properly without heating which denatures the protein, concentrates should
yield approximately 80 percent protein (with a biological value between 100-300) and isolates
should yield 90-92 percent protein (with a biological value between 130-160).
So, what are these microfractions we keep hearing about? Unfortunately, it is these
microfractions that make picking a whey protein a little more complicated. Whey Protein
Concentrate does not contain significant amounts of all of the microfractions but Cross
Flow Microfiltred Whey Protein Isolate does.
Beta-Lactoglobulin
This is the easiest microfraction to obtain. A general rule is to look for a supplement
that contains less than 50 percent beta-lactoglobulin.
Alpha-Lactalbumin
This is the second most common microfraction. It is thought to be very nutritious with a
low allergenic risk. A good quality product should supply 15-20 percent.
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins carry antibodies, which are very important to the immune system. Careful
processing can yield 4-10 percent.
Glycomacropeptides
Glycomacropeptides are very important as they contain a compound known as sialic acid.
This acts as an anchor for viruses and therefore reduces the chance of viral infection.
This is a very important aspect of whey protein's effect on the immune system.
Bovine Serum Albumin
BSA is also known as the precursor to Glutathione. Glutathione is specifically important in
assisting in the prevention of malignant growths.
Know What You're Getting
The easiest way to know if you are getting all of these important whey microfractions
is to look for them listed on the label. A quality protein supplement from a reputable
company will always list the microfraction content. Whey protein powders are pleasant tasting
and can be mixed with your favourite beverage. One or two servings of whey protein daily
(depending on your activity level) enables you to enjoy the many health promoting properties
of whey, and ensures that you are getting sufficient dietary protein.
By Leanne Tomlinson
The Many Health Benefits of Whey Protein
