Concentrate (WPC), isolate (WPI) and whey protein hydrolyzate (WPH)
Important: Whey proteins can be found in the form of WPC, WPI and WPH. They differ in terms of assimilation time. The fastest absorbed form is WPH, WPI after it. WPC amino acids appear in blood after about 30 minutes.
By applying the aforementioned membrane technologies (filtrations), which, to simplify, work similarly to sieves equipped with holes of different sizes, various final whey products are obtained. The ultrafiltration process itself can finally result in WPC with a concentration of up to 80% of whey proteins. Multiplication of the filtration process (micro, ultra) allows to obtain a cleaner product, i.e. WPI, with a higher protein content, and at the same time a smaller amount of by- products, as fat or lactose. Elite isolates are most often made on the basis of CFM technology, thanks to which protein concentration can reach almost 99%.
Amino acids derived from WPC appear in blood after about 30 minutes of ingestion, and in case of WPI this process takes up to just 15 minutes. The overall release of amino acids from the WPC into the bloodstream takes approximately 2 hours.
Whey proteins consist of different lengths of protein chains, i.e. peptide chains. When these chains are cut into shorter parts during production, we get WPH. Whey protein hydrolyzate undergoes express digestion, thanks to which the amino acids from WPH literally appear in the blood a few minutes later. An additional advantage of this form of whey protein is the lack of an allergenic effect.
When Is the Best Time to Take Whey Protein?
Whey protein recommended for breakfast and in the post-workout period
Important: Whey protein is worth taking at those times of the day when the body has a particularly high protein requirement and has high potential for its assimilation. This applies to the time just after getting up, and the time of post-workout regeneration.
Whey protein is an excellent ingredient of breakfast. At this time of the day, the metabolism shows the highest rate, thanks to which the body has great possibilities of protein assimilation. Whey proteins perfectly suppress appetite by providing a filling form of breakfast. In addition, we must remember that protein breakfasts are perfectly coupled to the human daily biorhythm. In contrast to high-carb breakfast options, they do not make you feel sleepy. Quickly absorbed whey proteins consumed in the morning, effectively suppress morning catabolism (high cortisol) and stimulate the body.
The second time during the day in which we should use the potential of whey proteins is the time after finishing training. Following supplementation with carbohydrates and amino acids, whey proteins, due to the high insulin index, lengthen the anabolic window.