Protein Powders Explained

Egg white protein powder is made from chicken egg whites. It is produced by removing the yolk from the eggs and then converting the egg white into a powder form. Egg white proteins have a very high biological value and an average digestion rate. This means that they are absorbed completely by the body and this happens within approx 4 hours.

Milk protein concentrate is made from skimmed cow milk that is treated by ultrafiltration and diafiltration to remove most of the lactose, vitamins and minerals so that only the protein fraction remains. The protein fraction is then dried into a powder. Milk protein concentrate contains about 80% pure protein. About 80% of it is casein and 20% of it is whey protein.

Whey protein concentrate is made from sweet cheese whey, a by-product during the cheese making process, using separation techniques (filtration) that largely remove the fat, lactose, and other materials. Whey protein concentrate contains about 80% pure whey protein. Whey proteins have a fast digestion rate. Whey proteins are absorbed by the body within approx 2 hours. It is great for post workout shakes as well as anytime you need a quick burst of amino acids.

Calcium caseinate and micellar casein are different froms of casein and are derived from skimmed cow milk. Calcium caseinate and micellar casein proteins have a slow digestion rate. They are absorbed by the body within approx 7 hours.

Protein isolate is derived from a protein concentrate using a cold-filtration, a microfiltration, or an ion-exchange process in which the fat, lactose, and other materials are nearly completely removed. An isolate contains over 90% pure protein and very little fat and lactose, if any.

Hydrolyzed protein is enzymatically treated to form a hydrolysate. This results in short chain peptides and amino acids, thereby drastically increasing the absorption rate.

Instantized protein is treated with lecithin in order to increase the solubility of the protein powder drastically.

Recommendations

Milk/casein/whey protein isolate or egg white protein are recommended for lactose intolerant people who have difficulties digesting lactose. Casein is a good choice for people who are trying to lose body fat. For all other people I would recommend milk protein concentrate or a mixture of milk protein concentrate with egg white protein during the day. In the morning and right after your workout, a whey protein concentrate is a smart choice because of its quick absorption. In the evening, before going to bed, casein is a smart choice because of its slow absorption.

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