Whey protein is available in several different stages of refinement. Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) has been ultrafiltered to about 80% purity. Whey Isolates are further refined so that most of the fat, cholesterol and lactose has been ‘isolated’ out. WPI weighs in at 90+% purity. If you hydrolyze whey protein, you break down the components for even fast digestion.

Does it matter which variation you choose? According to research on lab rats published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 30 days of supplementing with hydrolyzed whey protein can promote higher levels of the BCAA leucine along with a greater increase in insulin when compared to WPI. Leucine and insulin both play important roles in protein synthesis.

True Strength Moment: While there’s nothing wrong with using WPC or WPI, it appears from this study that hydrolyzed whey offered a performance advantage to rodents who appreciate the value of recovery from exercise. Try a month-long comparison test to see if the advantages can be experienced by human subjects.