Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, the liquid byproduct of cheese production. It's a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions, including muscle building and immune cell creation. The main proteins in whey are beta-lactoglobulin (~65%), alpha-lactalbumin (~25%), bovine serum albumin (~8%), and immunoglobulins. Whey protein is widely marketed as a dietary supplement, typically in powdered form for beverages.
Whey protein is popular in sports nutrition for muscle growth and recovery due to its high leucine content, an amino acid that aids in muscle repair. It is also used to improve texture in yogurt and as a nutritional supplement for those needing to gain weight or with a loss of appetite. Different types of whey protein include whey concentrate, whey isolate, and whey hydrolysate, which vary in protein content, processing methods, and digestibility. Many brands offer whey protein, including Optimum Nutrition, Myprotein, Dymatize, and Body Fortress.
The price of whey protein varies depending on the brand, type, and quantity. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1 to $2 per serving. For example, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey is in the $30-$40 range for 2 lbs. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is listed around $25-$35 for 2.2 lbs. Availability is widespread, with whey protein powders sold at major retailers like Walmart and GNC, as well as online through various supplement stores.
