Whey Protein Supplements

Whey Blend

Whey Isolate

On the supplement market today there are so many types of proteins that it can become mind boggling to decide which one is best for your needs. Whey protein concentrate, blends, isolates, hydrolyzed proteins... It’s just confusing. So what are the differences? Hopefully it’s a little clearer after reading this.
    Whey protein is created through the process of making cheese, this is why is contains fats and sugar (lactose).
    A whey protein concentrate is a form of whey protein that usually contains 60-80% of actual protein per container. The other ingredients being some fat and sugars (lactose). Don’t misunderstand, the quantity of fats and sugars is still extremely low (<1g-3g).
    The protein itself is also at a more undigested state (it isn’t broken down into lower levels), meaning ours bodies must do this. The result is that is will take longer to absorb and digest (But still extremely fast). This type of protein does however contain some immune boosting agents, to help keep us healthy. Although most users don’t take this supplement for this feature, it definitely is a bonus.
    Whey isolate contains more protein in each container, usually from 85-95%. This means there will be less fat and sugars and is usually lactose free. So if you’re lactose intolerant, then isolate will probably be the way to go, so your stomach won’t be affected negatively.
    The isolate protein gets broken down a step so that it digests faster, also a bonus. So if there’s more protein and it digests faster, doesn’t it mean it’s better?
    Not necessarily. The isolation process can sometimes damage the protein in filtration and the whey isolate usually loses all its immune-boosting agents. Also whey isolate is noticeably more expensive than concentrate.
    Hydrolyzed protein is broken down even further than isolate, and is in component amino acid form. It absorbs and digests faster then isolate. This also raises the price even more.
    A whey blend is usually a combination of whey concentrate and whey isolate. The companies usually don’t list which percentage is which, but the label can usually let you know. If isolate is listed first in the ingredients, it’s a higher percentage, and vice versa. Personally, this is the way to go for a good value and very effect protein powder supplement.
     Remember, this is a supplement and a supplement is only necessary when you can’t meet your basic nutritional requirements through whole foods. If you’re unsure about your requirements check out my articles on BMR and Daily Protein Intake.

My top protein supplement recommendation:
ON Gold Standard 100% Whey
    I’ve used this protein for years and it always seems to be my go to. Tastes amazing, mixes AMAZING (by far the best mixing I’ve ever had) and isn’t expensive. It’s a whey blend and comes in many flavors. Some flavors are exclusives, so check around to different locations or online to see what’s available.

Please email me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Tyler Pritchard
CanFit Pro Personal Training Specialist
tylerrpritchard@gmail.com