Whey Protein Powder

Whey protein powder is the result of filtering and drying whey protein. The powder is commonly used as a protein supplement by athletes and those who wish to build muscle tissue. First generation whey protein powders contained as little as 30-40 percent protein and high amounts of fat, lactose and other proteins. Modern whey protein powders generally contain 70-80 percent whey protein and lower levels of other ingredients.

With so many types of whey protein powder available, choosing one comes down to a matter of convenience and cost. There are a variety scoop sizes, container sizes and flavors to suit every preference. Cost-per-serving (CPS) and cost-per-gram-of-protein (CPGP) comparisons are both helpful when figuring out which canister delivers the most bang for the buck. Among the top 20 whey protein powders, CPS figures range from 39 cents to over a dollar and CPGP range from two cents to five cents.

Quality varies slightly among different types of whey protein powders, but these differences are small. Marketing efforts tend to emphasize the minor differences between protein powders, such as type of filtration or purity, but these differences may or may not have any noticeable effects on the process of building muscle tissue. The more expensive protein powders tend to taste better and mix easier with a spoon, however, and these differences are notable.

Very few side effects accompany the use of whey protein supplementation. With recommended portions, the main side effect is muscle gain, which is a good thing for those who want it. Lactose-related side effects are more commonly seen in whey protein concentrate, which contains five to six percent lactose, compared with only one percent lactose in whey protein isolate.