This article is a continuation of the Whey Isolate v Whey Concentrate article.
Proteins are long chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, and during hydrolysis peptide bonds are broken. Depending upon the enzymes present and processing conditions, smaller chains of amino acids and different amino acid sequences can be produced. The hydrolysed protein chains determine the nutritional and functional characteristics of whey protein hydrolysates.
Hydrolysed proteins generally taste foul, so here are some tips to consider when looking for a hydrolysed product.
- Most importantly the product should indicate the degree of hydrolysis applied to the protein. This varies from about 5%-25%. The higher the percentage the more hydrolysis that has taken place and the more bitter it will taste. If the product does not list ask the company why?
- Packets should display a table listing the molecular weights of the peptides themselves. These will be measured in Daltons. Usually the percentage of peptides are listed, e.g. MW 20,000-40,000 Daltons 40%.
- Hydrolysed Whey Protein contains virtually NO biologically active protein fractions. All of the fractions like glycomacropeptide are destroyed during the process.
- Hydrolysed Whey Protein is primarily used clinically in enteral tube feeds. It is used in this instance not because it is absorbed more easily, but because it is hypoallergenic. Some babies are allergic to certain fractions like beta-lactalbumin; a way round this is to hydrolyse the protein, thus breaking down the allergen part of the protein into peptides.
- If you see any claims for Biological Value (BV) higher than 104, be careful as this is not possible.
Of course hydrolysed whey protein is the ultimate protein to take immediately after a work out, in theory, as your body absorbs it very quickly, simply because it is more digested than other whey. However, I am not aware of any supplement company who exclusively uses ‘real’ hydrolysed whey protein. In reality I would stick to a good quality whey concentrate and integrate it into your well-planned nutrition regimen.