| Whey protein is a general term for proteins present in milk which includes beta-lactoglobulin (~65%), alpha-lactalbumin (~25%), and serum albumin (~8%). Large amounts of whey proteins are produced during the manufacturing of dairy products. The nutritional value of whey proteins makes them useful as food ingredients. Whey protein is used as a nutritional supplement for
people who may be protein-deficient. Whey protein is also used as a supplement by bodybuilders to attain optimal muscle growth. The addition of excess protein in the blood stream allows strained muscles to recuperate faster than normally.
The major proteins found in whey protein include beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. Whey protein has one of the highest protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores and is more rapidly digested than other proteins, such as casein (another milk protein). Alpha-lactalbumin is high in the amino acid tryptophan, which the body uses to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Alpha lactalbumin regulates lactose biosynthesis by forming the lactose synthase complex with beta 1,4 galactosyltransferase. Alpha lactalbumin binds several metal ions, including calcium, which is thought to play a role in the regeneration of native alpha lactalbumin from the reduced denatured form. Alpha-lactalbumin has been associated recently with stress reduction, anticancer with human alpha-lactalbumin, immunomodulation and anti-microbial activity after proteolysis. Beta-lactoglobulin is the major protein component of milk from a wide range of species but not human. Beta-lactoglobulin binds a wide variety of hydrophobic ligands but its function remains unknown. Beta-lactoglobulin is similar in structure to retinol-binding protein and lipocalycins, suggesting that beta-lactoglobulin may have a role in the transport of fatty acids and vitamin A.
Serum albumin is the carrier of fatty acids in the blood. Fatty acids are essential for two major things in your body. They are the building blocks for lipids, which form all of the membranes around and inside cells. They are also rich sources of energy, and may be broken down inside cells to form ATP. Albumin transports many small molecules in the blood (for example, bilirubin, calcium, progesterone, and drugs). It is also of prime importance in maintaining the oncotic pressure of the blood. Albumin is essential for maintaining the oncotic pressure needed for proper distribution of body fluids between intravascular compartments and body tissues. The normal range of albumin concentrations in human blood is 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL, and albumin normally constitutes about 60% of plasma protein. Serum albumin is the most plentiful protein in blood plasma. Each protein molecule can carry seven fatty acid molecules. They bind in deep crevices in the protein, burying their carbon-rich tails safely away from the surrounding water. Serum albumin also binds to many other water-insoluble molecules. Because albumin is synthesized by the liver, decreased serum albumin may result from liver disease. It can also result from kidney disease, which allows albumin to escape into the urine. |
Complete Whey Protein is special ultrafiltered, ion-exchanged, partially pre-digested whey, with high levels of branched chain amino acids. Complete Whey Protein is manufactured with low heat processing to preserve nutrient potency and utilizes a new solubility technology (InstaPro Instantizing Process) to mix instantly with just a few stirs - no blender required. Click here for more information.