Most of us do not know what whey protein is. Whey protein is a type of protein that is developed in dairy. It comes in various forms like powder, bar, drink, etc.
Proteins are mainly split into three forms which are isolated, concentrated, and hydrolyzed. When it comes to protein powder, two important forms are highlighted, and that is isolated and concentrate.
Key Takeaways
- Isolate protein undergoes additional filtration, resulting in a higher protein content (90-95%) than concentrate protein (70-85%).
- Concentrated protein retains more lactose and fat, while isolate protein is almost lactose-free and contains minimal fat.
- Isolate protein is faster to digest, making it a preferred choice for post-workout recovery, while concentrate protein offers a more balanced nutritional profile.
Isolate Protein vs Concentrate Protein
Isolate protein is a form of protein supplement that is derived from a natural protein source, such as whey or soy. It is processed to remove most of the non-protein components. Concentrate protein is another form of protein supplement that is derived from a natural protein source, such as whey or soy. It is processed to remove some of the non-protein components.
An isolated protein is a filtered form of protein. Generally, whey protein has little amount of lactose content (less than 1%) in it. But in isolate form, it has zero lactose, which means that it is the finest filterest form of protein that has no amount of lactose content.
In an isolated form of protein, there is less cholesterol, carbohydrate, calories, and fat.
Concentrate protein is a very common form of protein. It has so many beneficial properties, and milk is the best example. It contains a higher percentage of lactose. It depends on how concentrated it is.
It contains 60-70% of protein. It also contains BCAA‘s as well as glutamine in a rich amount.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Isolate Protein | Concentrate Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | For individuals who are lactose intolerant and want to cut down the carbs from the diet, Isolate is preferable. | Individuals who want to maintain weight and full dietary concentration are preferable. |
| Processing method | The processing method is more intense | the processing method is less intense method |
| Protein | 23 grams or 90% per 100 calorie serving | 18 grams or 70-80% per 100 calorie serving |
| Lactose | Up to 1 gram per 100 calorie serving | Up to 3.5 grams per 100 calorie serving |
| Cost | The isolated protein is a bit expensive | The concentrated protein is cheaper |
What is Isolate Protein?
Isolate protein is best for a sportsperson. It is rich in sports nutrients. It is a power-pack punch of protein. It contains 90% of protein. It is the incredibly purest form of protein. The process of isolation of protein is called “Cross-Flow Microfiltration”.
This process separates the purest form of protein from fat, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and lactose. It is not 100% pure but contains very little amount of lactose. This protein is highly recommended for athletes who struggle with dairy products.
The amount of nutrients in it is very high. It contains so much protein that your body can easily absorb it. This helps the muscles to grow and prepare them for the next gym session. It also contains 9 essential amino acids.
It is easily available in the market with many flavours so that you can choose your favourite.
Isolate protein is believed to be low in fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, and calories. For those who want to keep their fat level low, maintain their body figure, cut and lower their body fat but keep muscle mass and need enough protein, then isolated protein is highly recommended for them.
It is a little expensive protein by the price but very essential and effective.
What is Concentrate Protein?
Concentrate protein is considered to be very efficient, popular, and economical in today’s market world. It is also processed by micro-filtration. This proceeds to keep the amino acid profile as pure and robust as possible.
If we mix this protein with milk or water, it retains its silky smooth texture. Its best quality is found in protein shakes.
It helps in muscle growth and muscle repair for gym-goers. It’s all-natural. It is good for those who want to build muscle. They contain low amounts of lactose and carbohydrates. It is cheap and easily available in the market.
It is extracted from vegetable and animal matter. Protein concentration, which exceeds the recommended daily intake values, forms a basic part of the diet for people, for example, athletes and people affected by certain nutritional issues who require protein supplementation.
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is an important group of whey-based foods. They are used in ice cream parlour items, oats and nutrition bars, handled cheese, hot products, sports drinks, and muscle development.
WPC powders with protein content reaching 35-65% can be made by ultrafiltration (UF) which eliminates lactose, minerals, and non-protein nitrogen (NPN).
WPC powder with protein content is high through diafiltration, wherein UF handling the whey protein is diluted with water to practically cleanse the entirety of lactose and minerals.
Main Differences Between Isolate Protein and Concentrate Protein
- Isolated protein contains 90% protein, but concentrated protein contains 60-70% protein.
- If you want to maintain your body figure and cut your body fat, then you should go select isolated protein, but if you want to build muscle mass, then you should go for concentrated protein.
- Isolated protein is a little expensive protein by the price but very essential and effective, while concentrated protein is cheaper.
- Both proteins also differ based on the number of fats and carbohydrates they contain. Isolated protein contains no lactose, fat, carbohydrates, or cholesterol, whereas concentrated protein contains very little amount of lactose, fat, carbohydrates, or cholesterol.
- They are also different in processing methods. Isolate protein has a more intense process, whereas concentrated protein has a less intense process.
References
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1977.tb01521.x
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1987.tb14032.x
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814604000263
Last Updated : 12 August, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article effectively highlights the differences and potential benefits of isolate and concentrate protein, providing detailed insights into their nutritional components and suitability for various dietary and fitness requirements.
This article provides a very thorough understanding of the differences between isolate protein and concentrate protein. It’s great to see a detailed comparison of the two, making it easier to understand the benefits of each type of protein
I share the same opinion. This provides a clear understanding of the production, composition, and nutritional benefits of isolate and concentrate protein.
The article provides a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the nutritional benefits and practical applications of isolate and concentrate protein. It effectively clarifies the differences between these protein supplements, making it an essential resource for individuals interested in sports nutrition.
I completely agree. The article effectively addresses the nuances of isolate and concentrate protein, emphasizing their nutritional content and practical benefits. It provides essential knowledge for individuals interested in sports nutrition and dietary health.
Absolutely, the detailed and comprehensive analysis of isolate and concentrate protein offers valuable insights into their nutritional value and practical applications. It’s an enlightening resource for individuals seeking a better understanding of these protein supplements.
The explanation of the processing methods for isolate and concentrate protein is very detailed and provides insight into the differences between the two. This is extremely informative.
I completely agree. The detailed discussion of processing methods clarifies the variations between isolate and concentrate protein production.
The detailed comparison table is helpful as it breaks down the parameters of comparison between isolate and concentrate protein. It’s a valuable resource.
I agree, the comparison table provides a useful summary of the two types of protein, offering a quick overview of the differences.
Absolutely, it’s great to have a concise comparison that outlines the key features of each protein type.
The detailed explanation of isolate and concentrate protein’s nutritional profiles and processing methods is highly informative. This article is a valuable resource for understanding the key differences between the two protein types.
I share the same view. The article’s comprehensive explanation of the nutritional differences and processing methods provides an in-depth understanding of isolate and concentrate protein. It’s an essential read for those interested in sports nutrition.
The detailed explanation of the benefits and suitability of isolate and concentrate protein for different dietary and fitness needs is particularly enlightening. This article provides essential information for individuals seeking to understand the differences between these protein types.
Completely agree. The article effectively highlights the nutritional benefits and practical relevance of isolate and concentrate protein, providing valuable insights for those involved in fitness and sports nutrition.
The comprehensive comparison of isolate and concentrate protein’s benefits, particularly for muscle growth and recovery, is extremely informative. The article offers valuable insights into the applications of these protein supplements.
Absolutely, the detailed analysis of the benefits for muscle growth and recovery provides a comprehensive understanding of the advantages of isolate and concentrate protein. It’s an excellent resource for fitness enthusiasts.
The distinction between isolate protein and concentrate protein in terms of nutritional content and suitability for different dietary requirements is clearly outlined. This is an enlightening read.
Absolutely, the article does a great job of illustrating the nutritional differences and potential advantages of both isolate and concentrate protein. It’s very informative and beneficial.
I share the same view. This article effectively highlights the nutritional variations between isolate and concentrate protein, promoting a better understanding of the benefits of each type.
The detailed descriptions of isolate and concentrate protein, along with the comparative analysis, provide a comprehensive understanding of these protein types. This is a valuable resource for individuals interested in sports nutrition.
The article effectively outlines the properties and benefits of both isolate and concentrate protein, providing valuable insights for individuals considering these protein supplements. It’s a highly informative piece.
I completely agree. The in-depth descriptions and thorough comparison enhance the understanding of the nutritional value of isolate and concentrate protein, particularly for individuals in the sports community.