Isolate Whey Protein: Everything You Need To Know
Breaking the limit is the name of the game for modern gym goers and supplements like isolate whey protein have helped athletes do just that. With the right supplements, athletes and eager beginners alike are able to build bigger and stronger physiques, surpassing what was once thought possible. The success of gym supplements has evolved into a booming market as bodybuilders, fitness freaks, and health enthusiasts look for the next big thing to give them an advantage when breaking personal and public records.
With this boom comes market diversification, with new products developed every year. This can seem daunting for new entrants in the health and fitness industry. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right supplement for you. At Prime Growth Nutrition, we understand how complicated this can all seem. We’re here to cover some of the basics to give you a better idea of what supplements work and what supplements work best.
In the following article, we introduce you to one of our most popular product ranges: whey isolates. This article will cover the most frequently asked questions about whey isolates. For a variety of reliable whey isolate products and much more, take a look at the Prime Growth Nutrition online store, score some supplements for yourself, and give your body the backing it deserves.
What Is Isolate Whey Protein?
In a supplement market where innovation is constant, everything from gel, powders, and vegan and dairy-free products exists. As a result, differentiating one product from another can be rather complicated. When it comes to isolate whey protein, there are three things you need to know; What defines isolate whey, how it’s made, and how it differentiates from other whey products on the market today.
Simply put, whey derives from the by-product of curdled dairy milk. Whey is a highly desired by-product due to its high protein yield. The process for making whey can be summarised in four steps:
1. Milk arrives at the processing plant
2. During the cheese-making process, enzymes like proteases are added to separate the whey from the curds.
3. The liquid whey is then pasteurised
4. The whey is then sent to be concentrated through one of two processes; Membrane filtration or Ion exchange chromatography
At this stage, turning the liquid into a powder will result in your standard whey protein powders. However, the differentiating factor of whey isolates from other whey products like whey concentrate or whey hydrolysate is that it undergoes even further processing to refine the protein content of the whey, thus removing things like lactose, other dairy-based fats, and impurities from the whey. This leaves the isolate with a higher concentration of protein, about 90%, compared to about 80% in the other whey products.
Is Isolate Whey Protein Good for You?
The next big question is; if isolate whey undergoes so many processing steps, how good can the product be for me? This is a logical question to ask today. Now, more than ever, individuals are beginning to question what it is that they are putting into their bodies and what health effects it will have.
When asking this question, the most important thing to remember is that not all isolate whey protein products are created equal. However, it is generally accepted that whey isolates are better than other whey protein products due to their higher protein concentration. Another factor to consider is whether the whey isolate was produced by a trusted source, as some brands may have a poorer quality product.
At Prime Growth Nutrition, we know you are looking for the best products on the market, and we stock only the highest-quality supplements to meet this need. Currently, we stock five different whey isolate products, all manufactured by trusted brands like TNT and Nutritech. Because of our dedication to stocking only premium quality products, you can trust the health benefits of the supplements we offer. Let’s look at some of the significant benefits here:
Whey isolates, like most whey products, are a good source of amino acids, especially branch-chained amino acids (BCAA’s) like leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAAs play a crucial role in muscle growth and recovery.
Further studies in more recent times on the possible health benefits of whey isolates have revealed some promising results, which include:
- Improving the immune response to asthma in some children.
- Possible anti-cancer properties
- Lowering cholesterol
- Reduction in blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
Is Whey Isolate Better Than Whey Protein?
Now that we know where isolate whey protein comes from, how it’s made, and the product’s health benefits, we need to decide whether this is the right product for you specifically. The most common whey supplement on the market is whey protein concentrate. So how does whey isolate compare? Let us look at both the similarities and differences in this next section:
Similarities:
As mentioned above, whey concentrates and whey isolate supplements are made as a by-product of milk. Therefore, it is essential to note that neither is a vegan product.
Another vital health fact to consider for your dietary requirements is gluten. Because whey is made from milk, pure whey concentrates or isolates are gluten-free. However, manufacturers may add different protein powders to the mix that may contain gluten. On our Prime Growth Nutrition website, you can get an entire rundown of the products we stock, making sure the product is right for you.
A similar quantity of isolate or concentrated whey protein will digest at a similar rate/speed in the human body. Thus, both will perform similar tasks regarding muscle building and recovery.
Differences:
The primary difference between the two products is how the isolates are processed compared to whey concentrates – resulting in a difference for the three most essential macros: protein, carbohydrates and fat. Below is a table that shows the differences between the two supplements in one serving:
| Macro | Isolate | Concentrate  |
| Protein | 21 g | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | Less than 1 g | 1.5 g |
| Fat | O g | 1.8 g |
These results show that even though the whey isolate contains no fat and fewer carbohydrates, the protein yield is still marginally more significant. Therefore, for people trying to lose weight while building muscle, isolate whey protein is the better choice.
The other significant difference is the lack of lactose in isolate whey protein. This allows those with dairy intolerances to consume it. Customers of whey isolate supplements have reported feeling less bloated than when using whey concentrates.
Another difference can be found in the calorie content. Because whey isolates have no fat, they contain fewer calories than their concentrate counterparts. Therefore, isolate whey protein may be the option for those who use supplements before body-building competitions or are on a low-calorie diet.
Can I Drink Isolate Whey Protein Without Working Out?
The article thus far has gone on to show not only how whey isolates are made but also the health benefits of the product, and how it compares to other forms of the protein in the same class. So, if it has so many positive benefits, you may wonder whether whey isolate is a safe option if you are not working out.
The short answer is yes, whey isolates can be taken regardless of your level of physical activity. Although whey isolate is generally advertised and targeted towards bodybuilders – due to the industry in which building muscle is vital, it can be consumed as a standard protein supplement for individuals seeking general health. However, before we look at some areas outside of bodybuilding where whey protein can have a positive impact, it is essential to note that before beginning a new supplement regimen, here at Prime Growth Nutrition, we always advise our customers to first speak to a registered dietitian or personal doctor to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your lifestyle.
Now that we have clarified that it can be taken outside of bodybuilding circles, let’s look at some other areas in which whey protein can be helpful:
One area in which whey isolate products can offer health benefits is in those who suffer from PEM (protein energy malnutrition). PEM is a condition in which people do not get enough protein or calories from food to meet their body’s energy requirements. Two primary diseases that can cause PEM are kwashiorkor and marasmus. It can affect anyone who struggles to eat foods with the correct nutritional value. However, it’s important to remember that protein powders should not be used as a sole source of nutrition but rather as a supplement to a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.
On a somewhat related note, milk is an essential source of protein for humans, and those who suffer from lactose intolerance may struggle to maintain a good protein level in the body. As already discussed above, due to the lack of lactose in whey isolates, it may provide a reliable substitute source of protein for these individuals.
Another demographic who could find whey isolates helpful are athletes who participate in activities that do not revolve around muscle building. For example, sports in which endurance is critical, like cross-country running, soccer, tennis, or swimming. Although muscle building is not the essential aspect of sports like those mentioned above, training to participate in these activities will still lead to muscle tearing and fatigue; whey proteins do not just help build muscle but also help with muscle recovery.
Are There Any Side Effects To Isolate Whey Protein?
The last question is whether whey isolate has any noticeable side effects. This article has gone on to list many positive benefits of the product, but are there any side effects to taking whey isolate? Unfortunately, like most dietary supplements, whey isolate can have some side effects, although they are generally mild and uncommon. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of whey isolate include:
1. Digestive issues: Some people may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhoea when consuming whey isolate, especially if they have a milk allergy.
2. Allergic reactions: People with a milk allergy may experience allergic reactions, such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing when consuming whey isolate.
3. Interactions with medications: Whey isolate can interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and blood thinners, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking whey isolate if you’re taking any prescription medications.
4. Hormonal imbalances: In rare cases, high doses of whey isolate may affect levels of hormones in the body, such as insulin and testosterone.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the quality and composition of whey isolate products can vary widely depending on the processing methods used and the source of the protein, so it’s always a good idea to choose a high-quality whey isolate product like those listed on our site at Prime Growth Nutrition.
Isolate Whey Protein: A Better Choice
This article has answered some of the most critical questions about isolate whey protein. Whey isolates are healthier, provide more protein for those who need it, and are a cut above the closest competitors. At Prime Growth Nutrition, we know that you care about what you put in your body and want to supplement your diet with better products. That is why we provide only the highest quality premium brands for our whey isolate range so that you can rest assured that you are getting the right product. Don’t hesitate to reach your goals with a better supplement, and get your hands on some isolate whey protein today!