Whey Protein Buying Guide 2024: Optimum Nutrition vs. MuscleTech vs. Dymatize vs. Myprotein,Which is Best?

What Is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. The proteins consist of α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin and immunoglobulins.In its powder form, it’s one of the most popular sports nutrition products in the world because of its availability, cost and effectiveness. Whey protein is commonly marketed as a dietary supplement, and various health claims have been attributed to it. After being separated during cheese production, whey goes through various processing steps to become what people generally recognize as whey protein — a powder that is added to shakes, meal replacements and protein bars.

A review published in 2010 in the European Food Safety Authority Journal concluded that the provided literature did not adequately support the proposed claims. For muscle growth, whey protein has been shown to be slightly better compared to other types of protein, such as casein or soy.Taking whey protein is a convenient way to add protein on top of your daily intake.

Whey Protein Components:

• Alpha-lactoglobulin

• Beta-lactoglobulin

• Bovine serum albumin (BSA)

• Immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2, secretory IgA and IgM)

• Smaller components: iron binding proteins (lactoferrin, lactoferricin), calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, folic acid, biotin, and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B12.

Whey is made up of many smaller protein subfractions such as beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and immunoglobulins (IgGs). Each of these subfractions has its own unique biological properties. The protein subfractions are made out of amino acids.

Like all proteins—chicken, beef, egg, soy, rice, hemp, and so on—whey is composed of amino acids, which the body can use for muscle growth and tissue repair. But it's whey's high concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, that sets this protein apart from the others.

The Benefits of Whey Protein

Support muscle gain

Muscles love protein, especially complete proteins like whey. Whey protein contains branched-chain amino acids, a specific type of amino acid that helps with muscle building.

Lowering blood pressure

Chronic high blood pressure commonly leads to heart disease. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health linked dairy product consumption with reduced blood pressure. It is believed that ACE-inhibitors found in dairy products are conducive to healthy blood pressure. 

Lactokinins are the ACE-inhibitors found in whey protein. When whey protein is consumed on a daily basis, blood pressure tends to reduce in people who experience high blood pressure. Results are found to be more dramatic in overweight individuals. 

Aiding weight loss

The positive role of dietary protein, like whey, has been established as a contributor to weight loss in several studies conducted by the National Institutes for Health. Whey protein outperforms other proteins when it comes to fat loss:

• Boosts metabolism

• Maintains and supports muscle mass

• Suppresses appetite

Incorporate whey protein into your weight loss meal plan to improve results.

A study published in the journal Clinical and Investigative Medicine found that whey protein may help reduce weight loss among HIV-positive patients.

Moderating blood sugar levels

Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health determined that whey protein is effective at moderating blood sugar. The high-quality protein increases insulin levels in the blood and normalizes the effectiveness of insulin in the body. 

As a result, whey protein is effectively used as a supplement to treat those with type 2 diabetes much like sulfonylurea, a common diabetic drug. Both healthy people and diabetics can moderate blood sugar levels by incorporating whey protein into a high-carb meal. 

Maintain overall health

Antioxidants are naturally present in the body and work to minimize the risk of chronic illness. Whey protein and other high-cysteine foods boost natural antioxidants, helping to keep chronic illness at bay. 

One study found that whey protein supplements lead to improvements in liver function in those with chronic illness.

Promote faster recovery

When you finish a workout, your muscles need protein—and leucine—more than ever to help them rebuild bigger and stronger. A study from Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that whey protein delivers leucine to the muscles faster than casein, stimulating muscle protein synthesis sooner. This makes whey protein the better choice post-workout. Casein, however, has its own advantages: because it digests more slowly, it’s a better protein option before bed, so it can feed your body leucine gradually through the night as you sleep.

Lowering cholesterol

A study, published in The British Journal of NutritionTrusted Source, gave whey supplements to 70 overweight men and women for 12 weeks and measured a number of parameters, such as lipid and insulin levels. They found that “there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol at week 12 in the whey group compared with the casein (group).”

Side Effects and Risks of Whey Protein

Some people who are allergic to milk may be specifically allergic to whey. In moderate doses, whey protein does not typically cause any adverse events. However, consuming very high doses can cause:

• stomach pains
  

• cramps

• reduced appetite

• nausea

• headache

• fatigue

Consistent high doses of whey protein may also cause acne. From a nutritional point of view, whey protein is very unusual and does not have a natural equivalent.

Types of Whey Protein

1.Whey protein concentrate (WPC)

WPC contains low levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrates. The percentage of protein in WPC depends on how concentrated it is. Lower end concentrates tend to have 30% protein and higher end up to 90%.

2.Whey protein isolate (WPI)

Whey protein isolate is considered the purest form of whey protein available. It contains between 90-95% whey protein, very little fat (0.5-1.0%), and very little lactose (0.5-1.0%). This makes whey protein isolate a good protein source for people who have lactose intolerance or issues digesting lactose.

3.Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH)

Also known as hydrolyzed whey protein, whey hydrolysate is the easiest to digest. It’s gentle on digestion because its long protein chains, called peptides, are pre-broken down into shorter ones. As such, it is often included in infant formulas and sports and medical nutrition products.

Within the whey protein category are a few types of whey. Two of the most popular are whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. 

The Best Brands for Whey Protein

Optimum Nutrition(ON)

Launched in 1986 in Florida, ON was initiated to provide sports supplements to active adults. The brand promises to offer high-quality products through its strict ingredient’s selection. Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein is one of the world’s bestselling products.

Optimum Nutrition is a trustworthy brand that isn’t just dependable but also an effective measure for all nutrition enthusiasts. It is sold across the world as a fat-cutting protein to strengthen your muscles.

MuscleTech

MuscleTech was introduced in 1988 as a reputed supplements brand that imbibes scientifically advanced technology into its products. MuscleTech reviews state that its high-quality dietary proteins are rapidly absorbent, digestive and very well-filtered.

Dymatize

Dymatize is a known name in nutritional and bodybuilding supplements. It is a go to brand for many international training facilities. Dymatize is committed to bringing the most effective and innovative sports nutritional products to their market worldwide.It has a good taste and has fewer calories for the amount of protein then most other brands. 

Myprotein

MyProtein is Europe’s No.1 Sports Nutrition Brand. They test and manufacture the highest quality products in the UK. Impact has been among the top brands in the world for over a decade.

The 4 Best Whey Protein of Each Brand

1.Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein

Price: from $9.99

The World's Best-Selling Whey Protein Powder and is an ideal all-rounder, especially for those looking for something simple and effective for a reasonable price.with an easy-mix blend of hydrolysed whey, whey isolate and whey concentrate providing the 24g of protein in each serving.There are more than 20 different flavors – including naturally flavored options.Even though ON holds a large variety of flavours, only chocolate is considered delightful in taste.

Pros:

• Acceptable taste

• Good value

• Quality protein sources

Cons:

• Contains artificial flavors

• Contains milk and soy (for those allergic or sensitive)

• May cause problems like hair fall
  

2.MuscleTech Nitro-Tech

Price: $49.99

NITRO-TECH contains protein sourced primarily from whey protein isolate – one of the cleanest and purest protein sources available to athletes. Other whey protein supplements might have only a few grams of this highly bioavailable and easily digested protein. NITRO-TECH is also enhanced with the most studied form of creatine for faster gains in muscle and strength.

A single scoop of NITRO-TECH contains 30 grams of protein, primarily from whey protein isolate, ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, with only 5 gram of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat!

Each scoop of NITRO-TECH contains a research-proven dose (3g) of creatine monohydrate.Each scoop provides 6.8g of BCAAS & 5g Glutamine & Precursor.Every flavor of NITRO-TECH® won in head-to-head, third party taste tests against leading competiters.

Pros:

• All the ingredients are transparent now

• Digested With Ease
  

• A great combination of whey protein and other amino acids

• It works and has a proven record of muscle gains.

• Great for professional bodybuilders and athletes

• A low number of calories

Cons:

• High Sodium level

• Too much of cholesterol

• Not a product for vegans

• High price

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3.Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder

Price: $66.84

Dymatize's flagship prouct is their ISO 100 protein powder.Dymatize ISO is made from 100% hydrolyzed whey protein. Unlike other forms of whey protein, which are made of large peptide structures and are harder to digest, hydrolyzed whey protein is pre-digested through enzymatic hydrolysis.

Enzymatic hydrolysis break these large peptide structures into smaller ones so you can get the amino acids you need to help build muscle as quickly as possible.Each serving of Dymatize ISO contains 24 grams of protein, one gram of carbohydrate and 106 calories.

It also contains 5.5 grams of Branched Chain Amino Acids, which help reduce muscle soreness, increase protein synthesis and reduce fatigue during intense workouts.

Pros:

• Suitable for those who are lactose intolerant

• It’s made from high-quality hydrolyzed protein

• It’s easy to mix and most consumers enjoy the taste of this dietary supplement

Cons:

• High price

• It increases oxidation of amino acids

4.Impact Whey Protein by MyProtein

Price: from $8.99

Ranked Grade A by independent tester Labdoor for both quality and value, Impact Whey Protein is officially certified as one of the best protein powders on the market.Premium whey packed with 21g of protein per serving, for the everyday protein you need from a quality source.MyProtein Impact Whey is the least processed form of whey and therefore the cheapest, but that is not bad.

Pros:

• Low Calories

• Cholesterol-Free

• Very Low Sodium

• Easy on the Stomach

• Very Affordable

• Simple yet effective

• Un-denatured Whey

Cons:

• Contains no Isolate for fast absorption – not versatile

• Sub-Par Taste

Brand doesn’t mean everything when you’re shopping for protein. But it should definitely be taken into consideration.

If you go with a company that has been around for a while, has credibility and is known for making a certain quality of products, then you can be confident that they will deliver a good quality and safe product.

How And When Should You Take Whey Protein?

Before Or After A Workout As A Supplement

Fast-acting whey protein is commonly taken in 25-30-gram dosages, either 1-2 hours before your workout or immediately post-workout. No, you don't have to slug back a shake within a 30-45-minute "anabolic window" after a workout to get the health benefits. Anytime within a couple of hours is probably just fine. But, if the immediate post-workout ritual of having a shake helps you remember to have one, do it!

Delaying your intake of whey can hinder muscle growth and repair, as well as leave you feeling more sore for your next workout.

As A Dietary Protein Source

Whey is a versatile nutritional power tool. It makes a great appetite-curbing snack between meals, or it can be added it to your breakfast oatmeal or smoothie. You can even bake with it.

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