Whey is a natural dairy protein derived
from milk. Milk contains 2 primary proteins: casein and whey. When
cheese is produced the liquid whey separates from the curd or casein.
The whey is then separated from the liquid whey to remove lactose, fat,
water and some milk salts. It is purified to various concentrations of
whey protein.
Is milk same as whey protein ?
No, while both are natural dairy
products. Milk contains ~6.25% protein that is comprised of 80% casein
protein and 20% whey protein. Milk contains lactose and fat. Whey
protein is derived from milk, eliminating most of the lactose and milk
fat.
What are the methods used to produce
whey protein?
There are several industrial methods
used to produce whey protein fit for human consumption. These methods
include:
Micro-filtration: where the
proteins are physically separated by a microscopic filter.
Reverse osmosis: where the
proteins are physically separated by a high pressure filter.
Ion-exchange: where the proteins
are extracted by taking advantage of their specific electronic
charge.
Are all whey proteins the same?
The composition of whey protein
products will vary based upon several factors including:
Source of the milk
Method of production
Type of cheese being produced
Individual manufacturer's
specifications.
What are the special feature of whey
protein ?
High biological value (a rating to
indicate how well the protein is absorbed and utilized by the body)
Rich in branded chain amino acids
(BCAAs) and essential amino acids
Immune enhancing properties
Increase glutathione (an
antioxidant enzyme) levels in the body
What is the individual protein
fractions found in whey protein?
Whey protein is not a single protein
but compose of four main protein fractions (comprise up to 80% of total
protein in whey) and six minor protein fractions with different
molecular weights. These protein fractions occur naturally in milk.