Whey protein

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This bodybuilding supplement contains whey protein and creatine monohydrate, as well as vitamins and other supplements.

Whey is the material left from cheese production and provides various health benefits. It was thought to provide no benefits and was discarded but now whey is said to be a valuable food product.[1] Whey is concentrated or dried to be put to use for various utility for both humans and animals. Whey is especially popular in baking, candy making, and supplements. Whey is useful for cancer and diabetic patients, young and old people, and athletes.[1] Some of the advantages whey protein offers include slowing the growth of tumors, providing essential nutrients for infants, and helping to build and maintain bone and muscle strength.[1] Whey has the highest biological value (BV) of any known protein. People are still pushing for more research in order to ensure no negative side effects will occur.

What is whey

Whey is what is left over when milk coagulates and has everything that is soluble from milk. It is “5 percent solution of lactose in water, with some minerals and lactalbumin.”[2] It is removed after cheese is processed. The fat is removed and then is processed for human foods [2]. It can be used in several different ways in human cooking as well as animal feed. Whey protein is the collection of globular proteins isolated from whey, a by-product of cheese manufactured from cow's milk. It is typically a mixture of beta-lactoglobulin (~65%), alpha-lactalbumin (~25%), and serum albumin (~8%), which are soluble in their native forms, independent of pH. Whey has the highest biological value (BV) of any known protein.

The protein fraction in whey (approximately 10% of the total dry solids within whey) comprises four major protein fractions and six minor protein fractions. The major protein fractions in whey are beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin and immunoglobulins. Each of these components has important disease-fighting effects.[citation needed] In addition, whey protein is easily digestible.

Denaturation by heat

Whey protein can be denatured by heat. High heat (like the sustained high temperatures above 72 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit) associated with the pasteurization process) denatures whey proteins, destroying some bioactive compounds, such as the amino acid cystine. While native whey protein does not aggregate upon renneting or acidification of milk, denaturing the whey protein triggers hydrophobic interactions with other proteins, and the formation of disulfide bonds between whey proteins and casein micelles, leading to aggregation with other milk proteins at low pH.

Major forms

Whey protein typically comes in three major forms: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate.

* Concentrates contain a low level of fat and cholesterol but, in general, have higher levels of bioactive compounds, and carbohydrates in the form of lactose — they are 29%-89% protein by weight.
* Isolates are processed to remove the fat, and lactose, but are usually lower in bioactive compounds as well — they are 90%+ protein by weight. Both of these types are mild to slightly milky in taste.
* Hydrolysates are predigested, partially hydrolyzed whey proteins that, as a consequence, are more easily absorbed, but their cost is generally higher. Whey protein hydrolysate also tends to taste quite different than other forms of whey protein, usually in a way that many find undesirable but can be masked when used in beverages.[citation needed]

Health benefits

Whey protein is rich in amino acids that provide many health benefits. The chain amino acid BCAA is provided in whey protein and which are “metabolized directly into muscle tissue…and start repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue.” It also provides the helpful amino acid leucine[1] Leucine “plays a key role in promoting muscle growth.” Whey is easy to digest for effective absorption by the body.

Cancer

Cancer patients often experience nausea and lack of appetite due to treatment and this can cause multiple health issues including malnutrition. Weakened immune systems are also a common for cancer patients and make them susceptible to infections and illness. Adding whey protein, which is rich in the amino acid cysteine, can provide a needed boost to the immune system because it raises glutathione levels.[1] Some individuals with suppressed or otherwise abnormal immune systems or degenerative diseases use undenatured bioactive whey proteins to increase their antioxidant levels Exogenous cysteine and cystine promote cell proliferation in CaCo-2 cells. Cell Proliferation, Volume 35, Number 2, April 2002 , pp. 117-129(13), an important antioxidant.

In studies conducted on rats, whey protein was shown to “inhibit the growth of several types of cancer tumors. It was shown to prevent the development of tumors as well as slowing the development of tumors.
Diabetes and weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for diabetic patients. People who suffer from diabetes cannot consume a high level of carbohydrates and the body will burn more calories after a high protein meal leading to weight loss; whey protein is both rich in protein and low in carbohydrates making it a smart choice for diabetic sufferers.[1] Whey protein is also good for managing strong, lean muscles which are essential for burning fat and losing weight. For people who are attempting to lose weight or build muscle it is recommended that they increase the amount of protein intake. The protein from whey helps to decrease the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream; this aids in the maintenance of insulin levels/

Infants and the aging population

Breast milk provide nutrients that are vital for new born babies but when breast feeding is not an option formulas that are whey protein based are a great alternative. Whey contains much of the same elements that the mother’s milk holds. An amino acid offered by whey protein aids in the growth of beneficial organisms that can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases in infants. Whey protein formulas have also been shown to reduce the crying in infant who suffer from coliky.Whey protein is also beneficial to the expecting mother because the body’s demand for protein is increased by 33% during pregnancy. Whey protein is easy to take, has no flavor and is easy to digest making it a suitable candidate for the mother.

As people age their ability to effectively uphold strong bones and muscles can be difficult. One way to achieve healthy bones and muscles is through a protein rich diet to help ensure they stay strong. In a recent study it was shown that “elderly individuals who consumed low levels of whey protein had a significant loss of bone density four years after the start of the study, especially in the hip and spine areas.

Repairing wounds,burns and aiding with oral health care

In order to mend an open wound the body demands extra amounts of proteins and amino acids. Without adequate or proper types of protein the healing process may take longer. Whey protein is often recommended by physicians for burn or surgery patients to reduce the healing time.

Recently, companies have also introduced oral health care products that have whey protein properties because of the anti-microbial properties it offers.Whey protein carries an amino acid that can help to reduce plaque build-up on teeth by trapping the bacteria that cause it.

Whey supplements for athletes and bodybuilders
Whey protein is a common bodybuilding supplement

More than other protein supplements, whey protein powder is commonly used by bodybuilders and other athletes to accelerate muscle development and aid in recovery. The amino acids that are offered through whey protein aid in the building of muscle tissue. Supplements have been said to increase both hormonal and cellular responses as well. When exercise is paired with protein intake, the body will consistently build muscles. Athlete and body builders who work out often are likely to have depleted protein levels and by taking whey protein supplements, protein levels will be replenished and help the muscles to grow faster.

Health concerns

People often mistakenly think that high protein diets cause kidney damage; however, there have not been any studies to support this claim. The abundant studies that have been conducted to test the benefits of whey protein have shown that no kidney damage has occurred form the use of whey. If kidney problems are already in existence increased intake of protein can cause further damage and it is suggested that protein is taken in moderation and with the consent of a doctor. However, excessive amounts of vitamin ingestion can be toxic. Whey protein does have high vitamin content so too much whey protein can create some problems. However, there are no other documented side effects of taking whey protein supplements, unless the person is allergic to dairy products.

Production of whey

They price of whey is 25-40% less of other dairy products but because of the production problems in the cheese industry whey has not been used as often as it could be. There are also problems in the preparation of whey that make it more difficult to use. The technique of spray drying after membrane filtration separates the proteins from whey.