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Protein products based on whey protein are among the most popular categories of sports supplements and are an excellent source of building blocks for our muscles. Convenient to use, well-absorbed and diverse in terms of composition and taste, they offer a protein boost to all those who need it. The basic question you need to answer when starting your adventure with protein supplements is: when isolate, when concentrate? Which products will better support your goals and which are worth putting off until another time? Let's check!
Initial insight
In order to be able to properly adjust the type of protein supplement to your preferences, body type and training goal, it is worth knowing how such products are made. Supplementation in the protein segment is based on two pillars: animal and plant raw materials. Animal sources include primarily whey protein, which is created in the whey filtration process, as well as - less frequently used in products - egg white or casein protein. When it comes to plant alternatives, consumers usually choose between soy protein , as well as pea, brown rice or hemp protein.
The production of whey-based supplements involves a series of thermal and chemical processes to which the raw material is subjected in order to meticulously separate protein, carbohydrates and fat. Advanced filtration results in obtaining precisely selected animal protein in the consistency of a loose powder, which is then enriched with flavor or combined with other ingredients.
To get back to our basic question of “when isolate, when concentrate?” let’s look at the differences between both forms of whey protein:
Concentrate – also known as WPC protein (from Whey Protein Concentrate); whey purification is carried out until approx. 65-80% pure protein is obtained and no more than approx. 8% carbohydrates and approx. 6% fat in the final product. Due to the breakdown of macronutrients, the concentrate has a higher calorific value than the isolate, in which the share of sugars and fats is lower. WPC products are characterized by an excellent price-quality ratio.
Isolate - also known as WPI (from Whey Protein Isolate); filtration is carried out until the product contains around 85-90% pure protein, while sugars and fats are at 3% of the composition. The advanced technological process results in a product with high protein value and low caloric value. Another advantage of isolate is the lower content of lactose, the digestion of which can be a source of discomfort or even health problems for some people. WPI products are characterized by a higher price.
When to concentrate?
The above brief description clarifies the situation for us. WPC-type supplements – there are variants available on the market with appropriately different protein content – perfectly complement the diet with proteins and support faster muscle regeneration, while providing more caloric fuel for exercise.
The higher caloric value will be an advantage primarily for those training for mass, as well as for ectomorphs and for those practicing high-intensity aerobic exercise. In the case of these three groups, the increased nutritional value, combined with the proven anabolic effect, will facilitate the development of muscle tissue and also replenish energy resources depleted by intensive training.
In addition, the concentrate will work well for people who are starting regular exercise and are in the process of building their preferences for manufacturers, consistencies, flavors and aromas of supplements - the lower price favors the possibility of trying many options before finding your favorite supplement.
When to isolate?
When our goal is to reduce, isolate is a clear favorite - it will help muscles regenerate, providing us with fewer calories than concentrate. Less caloric WPI products will also be useful for endomorphs and anyone with a predisposition to gain mass faster. When we want to build mass, but we are starting from a rather "weak position", we can consider taking isolate with a carbohydrate supplement or properly balancing carbohydrates in the diet.
Whey protein isolate is characterized primarily by faster absorption than concentrate – our body can use the amino acids supplied with it more quickly and replenish the damage caused by training. Therefore, the isolate is often a favorite of advanced people working on their figure, for whom the speed of absorption of the preparation can translate into meticulously measured training effects.
Summary
From the point of view of the impact on our body, both concentrate and isolate will contribute to the growth of muscle tissue, because their basic function is to supplement our diet with easily accessible protein. Due to the differences in the distribution of macronutrients, whey protein products should be adapted to the body structure and the goal and phase of training. When the basic criterion for us is price, concentrate will work better.
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