Whey protein is a natural protein derived from cow's milk. Available in an array of foods, whey protein contains minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids required for good health. Whey protein has a high biological value, meaning the human body uses whey protein efficiently.

Emerging whey protein research suggests that higher daily intakes of whey protein help burn more fat and support more lean muscle for those on reduced-calorie diets than for those on the same diet, but who consume little to no whey protein. Preliminary studies also show that specially processed whey protein may offer advantages in supporting healthy blood pressure¹.

Whey protein benefit

Whey protein is being touted as a functional food with a number of health benefits. One whey protein benefit is that it enhances antioxidant activity in the body. So in addition to supplying protein to cells, whey protein can help protect against free-radical damage. Whey protein has also been found to boost the immune system, as whey protein contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids, shown effective in supporting cell strength².

Whey protein drawback

Nutritionists say no protein works as fast as whey protein to increase protein synthesis in the body. Unfortunately, no protein stops working in the body as quickly as whey protein does. Whey protein has been found to stop supporting muscle growth in as little as two hours after ingesting whey protein. In addition, roughly 58 percent of whey protein is oxidized by the liver for energy even before any whey protein makes it to muscle tissue for benefit.

Whey Protein Q&A at Vitacost.com

Q: What is whey protein?

Whey protein is a natural protein derived from cow's milk. Whey protein is also added to many nutritional supplements.

Q: Does my body manufacture whey protein?

Chances are your body doesn't manufacture whey protein unless you're a cow.

Q: How do I know if I should take whey protein supplements?

Nutritionists advise that the more active you are, the more your body needs whey protein.

Q: Is whey protein safe during gestation?

As usual, ask your doctor before taking whey protein if you're pregnant.

Q: Is it true that the body absorbs whey protein more easily than the protein in red meat?

Yes. It's why many whey protein advocates suggest that people supplement their diets with whey protein as opposed to the protein found in red meat.

Q: What are the health benefits to taking whey protein supplements?

Some say whey protein can help burn fat, reduce stress and increase energy along with other health benefits.

Q: Does whey protein fight free radicals in the body.

All whole food stuffs, including whey protein, may fight free radicals in the body.

Q: Can I take whey protein if I'm lactose intolerant?

That would depend on the brand of whey protein. Read the label to see if your whey protein is made from 100 percent whey protein isolate and is lactose free.

Q: Is whey protein better than soy protein?

Yes. In terms of proteins, whey protein is a whole protein, whereas soy protein is missing an essential amino acid.

View our entire listing of whey protein products.

¹ Stagnito's New Products Magazine. March 2005 v5 i3 p70¹.
² Edmund R. Burke. Better Nutrition. Nov 2003 v65 i11 p52¹.