Whey Protein Concentrate vs. Isolate 

 

Protein is a primary building block of muscle and other body tissues and is a vital component of any healthy diet. Some choose protein powders for mixing healthy shakes, particularly to use before or after exercising or bodybuilding.

A common type of protein powder is made from whey, which is often sold as either a concentrate or an isolate. Although each type of whey protein is a healthy option, one must understand the differences between the two before determining which is best for him or her.

Protein Content

Both concentrate and isolate have very high amounts of protein. However, the isolate has had most substances other than protein removed from it, including fat content and minerals, and therefore has a higher percentage of protein than the concentrated form.

Fat Content

Isolates have much less fat content than concentrates, due to the increased processing they undergo. Isolates are about 90 percent protein and less than 0.5 percent milk fat.

Lactose Content

Those who are lactose intolerant would not want whey protein concentrate. However, isolates are a great choice for these people because the proteins have been denatured. Concentrates have up to 75 percent lactose while isolates have less than 0.5 percent lactose.

Expense

Because isolates go through a longer preparation process than concentrates, they tend to be more expensive.

Overall Healthfulness

Both whey protein concentrate and isolate are healthy for those who are not lactose intolerant. However, while isolate packs a better protein punch, it may be missing out on some other key nutrients that have been removed from the whey as it goes through additional processing.

Although the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, do not change during isolate processing, some of the peptides found in the whey become denatured, meaning that their bonds are broken. So, while isolates may contain more protein per serving, concentrates may include other beneficial ingredients.

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