🧪 Whey protein
~20% of milk protein; it stays in the whey.
Whey protein is the milk proteins that stay in the liquid when cheese is made. This liquid is called whey. In cow's milk, these proteins make up about 20% of all protein. In human milk there are many more of them, about 60%.
Whey protein is a mix of several proteins. The largest part is beta-lactoglobulin, about 65%. Another 25% or so is alpha-lactalbumin, about 8% is serum albumin, and there are also antibodies called immunoglobulins. Unlike casein, these proteins do not curdle with rennet and dissolve easily in water. But with strong heating they change and can curdle; this is how ricotta cheese is made.
In the past, whey was often poured away. Today it is made into powder: concentrate and isolate. Isolate has more than 90% protein and almost no fat or lactose. It is widely used in sports nutrition to build and repair muscle. A 2010 EFSA review found no evidence that this protein helps with weight loss. For muscle growth it works about as well as other good proteins. Beta-lactoglobulin is one of the allergens in cow's milk.
How it connects to milk
🧪 Whey protein ← contains ← 🥛 Milk
Links
- Where it is found
- 🧀 Whey, 🥛 Mare's milk, 🥛 Milk
- What it affects
- 💪 Muscles
Frequently asked questions
What is whey protein powder?
It is a powder made from the proteins in whey, the liquid left over when cheese is made. It is used in sports nutrition.
How much whey protein is in milk?
In cow's milk, about 20% of all protein is whey protein, which is about 0.6–0.7 g per 100 ml.
What to read next
- 💪 Muscles — Milk proteins for muscle growth.
- 🥛 Mare's milk — Low in fat and sweet, close to human milk in lactose and proteins. The basis of kumis.
Similar
🧪 Water · 🧪 Lactose · 🧪 Phosphorus · 🧪 Vitamin B12 · 🧪 Vitamin A · 🧪 Casein