Whey Concentrate vs. Isolate

Hybrid · 10-09-2005, 04:45 PM

I've never understood what's the difference between 100% concentrate and 100% isolate (lets just say cold filtered isolate)

The amino acid profiles are as follows:
Isolate:
Per 100 grams
Alanine 5.2
Arginine 2.5
Aspartic Acid 11
Cystine 2.6
Glutamic Acid 12.9
Glycine 1.9
Histidine 2.0
Isoleucine 6.5
Leucine 11
Lysine 9.6
Methionine 2.2
Phenylalanine 3.5
Proline 5.9
Serine 4.9
Threonine 6.8
Tryptophan 1.8
Tyrosine 3.2
Valine 6.2

Concentrate:
Per 100 grams
Alanine 4.9
Arginine 2.5
Aspartic Acid 11.6
Cystine 3.2
Glutamic Acid 16.9
Glycine 1.9
Histidine 1.8
Isoleucine 5.9
Leucine 10.3
Lysine 5.4
Methionine 8.0
Phenylalanine 2.2
Proline 5.8
Serine 4.9
Threonine 6.9
Tryptophan 1.6
Tyrosine 3.2
Valine 4.9

Compared: Isolate Vs Concentarte (isolate first, concentrate second)
Alanine 5.2/4.9
Arginine 2.5/2.5
Aspartic Acid 11/11.6
Cystine 2.6/3.2
Glutamic Acid 12.9/16.9
Glycine 1.9/1.9
Histidine 2.0/1.8
Isoleucine 6.5/5.9**
Leucine 11/10.3**
Lysine 9.6/5.4
Methionine 2.2/8.0
Phenylalanine 3.5/2.2
Proline 5.9/5.8
Serine 4.9/4.9
Threonine 6.8/6.9
Tryptophan 1.8/1.6
Tyrosine 3.2/3.2
Valine 6.2/4.9**

While the isolate may have a few more grams of BCAA's than the concentrate, I really don't see the need to spend 2-5 dollars more per pound(depending upon the process to get the isolate) to obtain these 1-2 grams. I'd rather just save money by drinking MORE of the concentrate.

Other than the fact that people that are lactose intolerant can drink the isolate and not the concentrate, are there any REAL benefits? I've heard people say "Concentrate is crap" but they never give a real good reason why!

NOTES: A * indicates that this amino acid is a BCAA.

**Peaked_18** · 10-09-2005, 04:51 PM

Isolate has less carbohydrates and fats with more protein. It digests a little quicker.

Concentrate is a lot cheaper, but if you got money, opt for the WPI.

chlaxman · 10-09-2005, 04:57 PM

As you said, WPI is lactose-free, so if you are lactose-intolerant or have digestion problems with concentrate, you should be fine with an isolate. Other than that and I find that isolates taste much better, there isn't much of a difference IMO.

Hybrid · 10-09-2005, 04:59 PM

I never even thought about that *smacks his head*

Still, I can only afford the concentrate

oh well. Hopefuly spiking my insulin levels post workout will help the protein be absorbed quicker, and the fact that I mix it with water.

chlaxman · 10-09-2005, 05:41 PM

The absorption of isolate is barely quicker than concentrate. The difference is minimal in that regards.

**Sixpack** · 10-09-2005, 06:00 PM

IF you have digestive issues go with isolate if not , concentrate is fine. Myself I think isolate taste better also depending on the company etc.I am lactose intolerant and do not have any issues digesting isolate.

Steve_W · 10-09-2005, 09:23 PM

Isolate definitely tastes better, even plain. Concentrate leaves a bit of a sweet not so good aftertaste however there difference is pretty minimal, so if you don't have digestive problems, concentrate is fine.

**NNTB** · 10-14-2005, 06:18 PM

Whey Concentrate vs. Isolate

**antihero** · 10-14-2005, 06:39 PM

the cost is so different because of the method of getting the protein in the isolation process...

Quote:

Ion exchange is a method that uses ionically charged resins and chemicals to separate protein. This process is often used to produce the purest form of whey protein isolate. The drawback is that some of the beneficial subfractions are lost, particularly glycomacropeptide.

Whey protein concentrate contains some carbohydrates and fats. Most products today fall within the 70-80% range, depending on the amount of filtering that is performed on the whey. The filtration process typically involves ultrafiltration, diafiltration and, sometimes, microfiltration, which usually leave much of the vital fractions in place.

Hybrid · 10-14-2005, 10:14 PM

Oh, never knew about Biological Value. Thanks for the link noneedtobrag.

Unfortunately unless there is a huge advantage, I'll have to stick to my whey. Isolate is just too expensive.

10-09-2005, 04:45 PM	#1
Hybrid IMPC Contestant Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gibsonia PA Posts: 824 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 14	Whey Concentrate vs. Isolate I've never understood what's the difference between 100% concentrate and 100% isolate (lets just say cold filtered isolate) The amino acid profiles are as follows: Isolate: Per 100 grams Alanine 5.2 Arginine 2.5 Aspartic Acid 11 Cystine 2.6 Glutamic Acid 12.9 Glycine 1.9 Histidine 2.0 Isoleucine 6.5 Leucine 11 Lysine 9.6 Methionine 2.2 Phenylalanine 3.5 Proline 5.9 Serine 4.9 Threonine 6.8 Tryptophan 1.8 Tyrosine 3.2 Valine 6.2 Concentrate: Per 100 grams Alanine 4.9 Arginine 2.5 Aspartic Acid 11.6 Cystine 3.2 Glutamic Acid 16.9 Glycine 1.9 Histidine 1.8 Isoleucine 5.9 Leucine 10.3 Lysine 5.4 Methionine 8.0 Phenylalanine 2.2 Proline 5.8 Serine 4.9 Threonine 6.9 Tryptophan 1.6 Tyrosine 3.2 Valine 4.9 Compared: Isolate Vs Concentarte (isolate first, concentrate second) Alanine 5.2/4.9 Arginine 2.5/2.5 Aspartic Acid 11/11.6 Cystine 2.6/3.2 Glutamic Acid 12.9/16.9 Glycine 1.9/1.9 Histidine 2.0/1.8 Isoleucine 6.5/5.9 Leucine 11/10.3 Lysine 9.6/5.4 Methionine 2.2/8.0 Phenylalanine 3.5/2.2 Proline 5.9/5.8 Serine 4.9/4.9 Threonine 6.8/6.9 Tryptophan 1.8/1.6 Tyrosine 3.2/3.2 Valine 6.2/4.9** While the isolate may have a few more grams of BCAA's than the concentrate, I really don't see the need to spend 2-5 dollars more per pound(depending upon the process to get the isolate) to obtain these 1-2 grams. I'd rather just save money by drinking MORE of the concentrate. Other than the fact that people that are lactose intolerant can drink the isolate and not the concentrate, are there any REAL benefits? I've heard people say "Concentrate is crap" but they never give a real good reason why! NOTES: A * indicates that this amino acid is a BCAA. __________________ If you even dream about beating me you'd better wake up and apologize - Muhammad Ali

10-09-2005, 04:57 PM	#3
chlaxman Pro Stature Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maine baby Posts: 560 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 9	As you said, WPI is lactose-free, so if you are lactose-intolerant or have digestion problems with concentrate, you should be fine with an isolate. Other than that and I find that isolates taste much better, there isn't much of a difference IMO. __________________ Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis. :weight_li :dumbells: :bed2: :friday:

10-09-2005, 04:59 PM	#4
Hybrid IMPC Contestant Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gibsonia PA Posts: 824 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 14	I never even thought about that smacks his head Still, I can only afford the concentrate oh well. Hopefuly spiking my insulin levels post workout will help the protein be absorbed quicker, and the fact that I mix it with water. __________________ If you even dream about beating me you'd better wake up and apologize - Muhammad Ali

10-09-2005, 05:41 PM	#5
chlaxman Pro Stature Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maine baby Posts: 560 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 9	The absorption of isolate is barely quicker than concentrate. The difference is minimal in that regards. __________________ Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis. :weight_li :dumbells: :bed2: :friday:

10-09-2005, 06:00 PM	#6
Sixpack Optimum Sponsored athlete Join Date: May 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 867 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 15	IF you have digestive issues go with isolate if not , concentrate is fine. Myself I think isolate taste better also depending on the company etc.I am lactose intolerant and do not have any issues digesting isolate. __________________ ["Tough Times Don't Last But Tough People Do" My Pops RIP http://www.optimumnutrition.com/ "Fueling your desire for success" www.rippedacadamy.com Mod-massmonsterz.com ISSA certified

10-09-2005, 04:51 PM	#2
Peaked_18 a la commode Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 4,247 Recipes: 2 Rep Power: 96	Isolate has less carbohydrates and fats with more protein. It digests a little quicker. Concentrate is a lot cheaper, but if you got money, opt for the WPI.

10-09-2005, 09:23 PM	#7
Steve_W Pro Stature Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 105 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 5	Isolate definitely tastes better, even plain. Concentrate leaves a bit of a sweet not so good aftertaste however there difference is pretty minimal, so if you don't have digestive problems, concentrate is fine.

10-14-2005, 06:18 PM	#8
NNTB rEVOLutionary Join Date: May 2005 Location: FL Posts: 2,447 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 163	Whey Concentrate vs. Isolate __________________ "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it." Abraham Lincoln

10-14-2005, 10:14 PM	#10
Hybrid IMPC Contestant Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gibsonia PA Posts: 824 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 14	Oh, never knew about Biological Value. Thanks for the link noneedtobrag. Unfortunately unless there is a huge advantage, I'll have to stick to my whey. Isolate is just too expensive. __________________ If you even dream about beating me you'd better wake up and apologize - Muhammad Ali

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