Whey or Multi-Component Protein?

• Posted on 30 September 2016
• By Wahbio
• 0

Nowadays you can find many Protein powders on the sports nutrition market. With so many options, many people find themselves overwhelmed and asking what Protein powder do I need and why? In our newest blog we put the two best known protein Powders, Whey and Multi- Component head-to-head and under the Microscope.

What are Whey and Multi-Component Protein powders?

Milk is made of two proteins, Casein and Whey. Whey can be separated from the Casein in milk or formed as a by-product in cheese making. The Biological Valency (expression of how much protein is absorbed by the body) is rated at 104, the highest value for any single protein source. Whey Protein will be very quickly absorbed by the body making it ideal for phases when the body requires an instant supply of Protein.

The idea behind a Multi-Component protein is to optimally bring a synergy of specific various protein source properties into one mixture. In balancing the amount of each protein source, the mixture is designed to provide a staged protein supply along with a full rounded Amino-Acid profile. Doing so, increases the Biological Valency of the Protein mix which means a lot more Protein, more effectively absorbed by the body. Optimally a Multi-component protein includes a mix of Quick, Medium and Slow acting proteins. With such a mix, a consistent Protein supply over a time frame from ‘immediately’ until the ‘Longest Possible’ is ensured. A good established combination comes in the mix of a Whey, Casein, Soy and Egg Protein blend.

Body-Building or Weight Loss, which Protein do I need?

Despite the popularity of Whey Protein, conclusive studies¹ have shown that for Body-Builders, a Multi-Component Protein blend will be more effective during the recovery phase after Training, than compared to a standalone Whey Protein. What this means is: more effective Muscle regeneration and creation with a Multi-Component Protein

To support a sustainable weight loss goal, a Multi-Component Protein also takes the podium. The reason why is due to the Multi-Component Proteins ability to keep you feeling full longer while in parallel protecting your muscles for longer durations while dieting.

Amino-Acid Profile

The distribution of Amino-Acids in Whey Protein is a great advantage since it is replicates the human body’s natural Protein distribution.  This correspondingly increases the Biological Valency of the Protein to stand as the market leader in the single source range.  The amount of essential Amino-Acids sits by around 50% of which are mostly BCAA’s (Leucin, Isoleucin und Valin).

Within a Multi-Component mixture, the Amino-Acid profile of each protein complements each other to fill the ‘holes’ in the Amino-Acid profile of standalone proteins. The resultant is a mixture with an extremely high Biological Valency. Despite containing less BCAA’s compared to Whey Protein, Multi-Component proteins contain more amino acids such as Arginine and Glutamine, important Amino-Acids for various body functions.

Price

In general, the price between Whey and Multi-Component Proteins are not that different. Where you will find a difference though sits in the relationship between costs per Gram of Protein vs. the amount of Protein absorbed by the body. What this means is: The body can only absorb so much Protein in a given period of time. With the quick acting Whey protein, the 100% absorption of every Gram of Protein has its limitations due to the natural oxidation of Protein when the body’s absorption threshold is reached. With a Multi-Component Protein mix, the various absorption rates provide a staged supply of protein, which adapts to this threshold.  In the end, the oxidation of Protein is heavily reduced and the body will be able to absorb more of the protein that you have invested your money in. When you compare both proteins on a Price per Gram vs. Grams of protein absorbed, a Multi-Component protein blend sits clear in front.

And the winner is...

So which Protein do I need? A Multi-Component Protein is a good all-rounder for almost any goal orientation. The Protein mixture is a good meal replacement alternative and holds a perfect Amino-Acid profile to provide an efficient absorption of the protein digested.

¹ Protein Blend Ingestion Following Resistance Exercise Promotes Human Muscle Protein Synthesis