Whey Protein Concentrate: The Common Man's Protein

Whey protein concentrate is the least expensive and most economical of the three whey proteins. For this reason, it is the most commonly used source of whey protein. The majority of the supplement companies use whey protein concentrate.

Not all whey protein concentrates are the same, however. Depending on the company producing the product, it can contain as little as 35% protein to as high as 80% protein. Seventy-seven percent is the average amount of protein found in most products. The best products will have between 77%-80% protein. Stick with those that have at least 77% protein.

Some supplement companies will put the percentage of protein of their whey protein concentrate on their labels. Some companies will also provide certificates upon request. These certificates are provided by third-party research labs that provide the content of the product and basically “authentic” that the product is what it says it is. The easiest way to figure out the protein content is using this simple calculation: divide the amount of protein per serving by the serving size.

Example: Serving size is 30 grams (this will be on the label) and the amount of protein per serving is 22 grams. 22 divided by 30 equals .73, or 73%. In this example, I would not buy this product because it’s not 77% or greater in protein content.

I’ll bet you’re wondering what makes up the rest of whey protein concentrate if it’s not 100% protein. The remaining “content” is fat, carbs and lactose. Assimilation and digestion through the intestines and stomach is lessened because of these remaining products left behind in the filtering process. As a result, some users of whey protein concentrate experience bloating and gas.

Whey protein concentrate, like all whey proteins, has all eight essential amino acids and is rich in branch chain amino acids. Whey protein concentrate is great for those with low budgets or those who require high amounts of protein per day. Depending on your situation and if you don’t experience bloating or gas, whey protein concentrate may be the only whey protein you need.

I lift weights four days a week and aerobic exercise three times a week so I consider myself a “moderate athlete.” I supplement with a combination of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. If you aren’t very active and just want a protein shake once or twice a day to reap the health benefits of whey protein, then a whey protein concentrate is all you really need – unless you feel bloated or get gas from it – then consider a whey protein isolate.

Other whey protein related pages:

What is Whey Protein?
Whey Protein Isolate
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Benefits of Whey Protein
Whey Protein Side Effects
Whey Protein Articles
Whey Protein Reviews & Recommendations