How Does Whey Protein Isolate Work in Your Body?

Whey protein isolate helps increase strength, muscle mass and assists with fat loss- but have you ever wondered how this actually works in your body?

There are several types of whey protein, with their main difference being how they have been processed. Whey protein isolate undergoes more filtration than whey protein concentrate. Therefore, it contains very little fat and lactose and its protein content ranges from 90% to 95%. Previous studies have demonstrated that in comparison to other protein sources, Whey protein isolate stimulates muscle protein synthesis to a greater extent due to its high leucine content- the most anabolic (growth-promoting) amino acid. This allows whey protein isolate to be absorbed and utilized rapidly, with its absorption rate estimated at roughly 10g per hour (1).

Whey protein digestion begins in the stomach and continues through the small intestine. Hydrochloric acid and enzymes called proteases break down protein into smaller chains of amino acids. Amino acids are joined by peptides, which are broken by proteases. These smaller chains of amino acids move into the small intestine where absorption takes place. Microvilli are finger-like structures that increase the surface area of the small intestine and allow for maximal absorption of amino acids, amongst other nutrients. Once absorbed, amino acids release into the bloodstream and other parts of the body, initiating tissue growth and repair (including muscle building).

What does whey protein isolate do for your body?

There are a number of whey protein isolate benefits! Being a complete source of protein, it contains all nine essential amino acids which serve as the building block for muscle growth. It also plays a vital role in the growth, repair and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.

 

Other benefits of whey protein also include:

• Lowers systolic blood pressure; high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease (2).
• Helps with the treatment of type 2 diabetes by moderating blood sugar and insulin sensitivity (3).
• Reduces inflammation; findings show that whey protein supplementation reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) which is a key marker of inflammation (4).
• May have beneficial effects on Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD (5).
• May reduce oxidative stress and increase antioxidant defenses (6).
• Reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (7).
• Has a satiating (filling) effect, making it a useful addition to a weight loss diet (8).

Should I take whey protein isolate?

It can be difficult to reach your protein requirements from diet alone, and it can be quite expensive too. Therefore, in order to meet your protein requirements and optimize muscle growth, supplementation of whey protein isolate is of great benefit!

At EHPlabs, we offer the best whey protein for beginners and regular users. Our high-quality protein blends contain zero added sugar and are formulated with 100% natural flavors. Both of our unique formulas also contain probiotics, vitamins and anti-bloating digestive enzymes for optimal health, digestion and recovery benefits.

ISOPEPT consists of 27g of the highest quality protein from hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (WPI); which is rapidly absorbed to fuel and replenish fatigued muscles, making it ideal for post-workout consumption. It also contains ashwagandha and L-theanine to help increase relaxation and reduce stress, which can be of particular benefit after an intense training session.

OxyWhey delivers 25g of two phase digestive proteins; whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI). WPC takes longer to digest and absorb than WPI, which helps to keep you fuller for longer. OxyWhey is an excellent all-round protein supplement for weight loss or as a meal replacement. To help manage cravings, chromium picolinate has been added due to its benefits of balancing blood sugar levels to assist with appetite control.

 

When should I take whey protein isolate?

Whey protein benefits include its rapid digestion. Therefore, you can take advantage of this by supplementing with whey protein first thing in the morning upon waking up, having a shake with a main meal (particularly one that may be low in protein) or even adding it to any sweet recipe (oats, smoothie, muffins, pancakes). This will allow your body to break down the protein quickly and provide your muscles with the amino acids necessary to initiate protein synthesis for muscle-growth.

Another key time frame in which you should consume whey protein isolate is before and after your workout. Doing so, can help enhance your performance and speed up the muscle repair process.

 

How long does it take for whey protein isolate to work?

As whey protein isolate is rapidly absorbed, it quickly provides your muscles with the amino acids necessary to initiate protein synthesis for muscle-growth. Regularly consuming a whey protein supplement can have an immediate effect on how well your body performs and recovers after training.

It’s important to keep in mind that despite it being a “fast-acting” protein, lean muscle growth takes time and requires consistency in training, diet, rest and supplementation.

 

Does whey isolate build muscle?

Yes! Whey protein is well known for the purpose of increasing muscle mass, strength and improved exercise performance. Whey protein isolate provides all the essential amino acids and increases the release of anabolic hormones such as insulin to stimulate muscle growth. Muscle protein synthesis is mostly accentuated in the time period after training, which is why it’s particularly important to consume protein soon after your workout.

 

Does isolate protein burn fat?

Whilst protein in itself does not burn fat, it does preserve muscle mass which helps keep your metabolic rate higher as you lose fat whilst following a weight loss diet. Previous studies have found that eating 25% of the daily calories in protein has been found to reduce carvings and the desire for late-time snacking by half (9). This can be explained by the satiety effect protein has due to its slow digestion rate and is of great importance for those who are in a calorie deficit and are trying to lose weight.

Taking OxyWhey or Isopept whey protein for weight loss is a great way to increase your protein intake for lean muscle preservation and help keep you fuller for longer!

 

What happens if you take whey protein without working out? Can you drink whey protein without working out?

It’s essential to meet your daily protein requirements, even if you’re not working out. It is still safe and recommended to supplement with whey protein on your rest days to optimize recovery.

Protein isn’t only essential for muscle building, but it also performs all kinds of bodily functions and plays an important role in the production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies to keep your immune system strong.

Achieve your goals and experience the incredible benefits of taking whey protein with EHPlabs science-based and innovative Whey Protein formulas- grab yours today!