Concentrate vs. Isolate
It’s a common question and likely one that almost everyone wonders upon reaching the point where one considers protein supplementation. Which is better, concentrate or isolate? Is there any difference other than protein content and price? There are, in fact, numerous differences and the answer to the first question is “it depends”. Both concentrate and isolate are protein supplements derived from whey but they undergo different processes before reaching the final stage that the consumer sees.
Whey protein concentrate is filtered down to a particle size of one micrometer. This means that the final product generally contains somewhere in the area of 80% protein. The other 20% contains lactose and milk fat among other things. This means that concentrate will have a higher fat content and calorie hit when compared to isolate. However, both of these can be beneficial as they contain anabolic, anti-microbial, and immune boosting factors. As a result, whey protein concentrate is a better all around supplement.
On the other hand, whey protein isolate is filtered down to a ¼ micrometer particle size. This increases the protein percentage dramatically but eliminates a majority of the other positive supplemental effects of whey protein. The result is that the fat and calorie hit is reduced for those who are on tight cutting regimens. The decreased particle size also allows for faster absorption within the body.
What can we conclude from this analysis? In most situations, the budget conscious choice, whey protein concentrate, is the way to go. Those who are closely monitoring fat and calorie intake will find that whey protein isolate makes their job much easier. A mixture of the two, concentrate for general use and isolate directly following a workout, is likely the best approach for most.
Tags: Whey Protein