Isolate vs Whey Protein: Difference and Comparison

Whey is a common source of protein that most people in the fitness regime rely on for their protein intake. There are certainly a lot of products in the market that produces whey.

Key Takeaways

1. Isolate protein undergoes a filtration process, resulting in higher protein content and lower lactose and fat levels, while whey protein contains all components of milk proteins.
2. Isolate protein is absorbed more quickly by the body, making it an ideal post-workout supplement, whereas whey protein provides a more sustained release of amino acids.
3. Whey protein is more affordable due to less processing, while isolate protein is more expensive but may be more suitable for those with lactose intolerance or specific dietary needs.

Isolate vs Whey Protein

Isolate protein is a type of protein supplement that is highly processed to serve lower contents of fats and lactose. It is a rich source of 90%-95% protein. Isolate protein is a good alternative for people with lactose intolerance. Whey protein is a protein source derived from whey that contains lactose and fats. It has about 30-80% of protein. This supplement can help with muscle building and weight gain.

As a small chunk of the population does have a food sensitivity and tolerance level for lactose sugar, isolates come in handy to serve its need.

Interestingly people have even started using whey protein powder to incorporate into their daily diet with different dessert recipes such as cookies and pancakes.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Isolate	Whey Protein
Composition	Isolates contain 90% protein and about 5.5% water.	Commonly, around 25g of protein per one heaping scoop. Possess around 30-80% protein.
Protein percentage	Relatively higher than whey protein, around 90% or more percent by weight.	80% protein by weight.
Usage	Ideal for calorie deficit diet plans.	Ideal for muscle building.
Carbohydrate & fat levels	Carbs and fat content are lower than whey protein.	It contains a significant amount of carb and fat.
Absorption	Contains minimal lactose, hence easily digested and absorbed by the body.	Contains lactose and fats, thus requires more time to absorb.

What is Isolate?

Whey protein isolates are a more processed or concentrated version of whey.

The whey protein is concentrated through further microfiltration and then ultra-filtered to remove the lactose content and carbohydrates present in the whey protein to make it easy to adsorb.

The lactose content is as least as 0.8g per 100g of isolate, thus making it a perfect source of protein to moderate lactose intolerants.

The taste of isolate is flavorless if it is not processed with flavors thus, it is tasteless in its original state. The isolates are recommended to be consumed within an hour to terminate the dispersion of protein in the beverage.

It also consists of a very negligible amount of cholesterol, fat, and lactose. Some companies later add lactase which helps in faster digestion and adsorption.

What is Whey Protein?

Whey proteins or concentrates come under the primary step of purification. It contains a negligible amount of protein when compared to that isolate.

This water undergoes further purification processes to pasteurize the liquid whey to kill the bacteria and other microbes present in it.

Whey protein certainly possesses a lot of benefits, including protein provision, it also provides various healing properties, nutritional supplements, and weight gain.

Some research claims that whey protein could help increase immunity in children suffering from asthma.

Main Differences Between Isolate and Whey Protein

1. Whey protein may contain some traces of cholesterol and lactose.
2. Whey and isolates can both be consumed in moderation to lose weight, to quench the protein requirement.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142015/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537849/