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
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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.
