Whey is a protein,
a
mixture of globular
proteins isolated
from whey, the liquid material created as a
by-product of cheese production.
Milk contains two primary sources of protein, the caseins and whey. After
processing occurs, the caseins are the proteins responsible for making curds,
while whey remains in the shape of a liquid.
Whey protein exists in 4 types - concentrate (WPC), isolate (WPI), hydrolysate (WPH) and Native Whey. Concentrates are
little low on fat content and cholesterol and higher levels of bioactive compounds and carbohydrates. Isolates are
usually lower in bio activated compounds as well — they are 90%+ protein by
weight. Like whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolates are mild to
slightly milky in taste. Hydrolysates are whey proteins that are predigested
and partially hydrolyzed for the purpose of easier metabolizing, but
their cost is generally higher. Native whey protein is the purest form of whey
protein, extracted from skim milk and not as a by product of cheese production.
Whey, essentially
a protein complex, is a modern day nutrient and food, with lots of health
giving and curing properties. Whey’s ingredients include lactoferrin,
betalactoglobulin,alpha-lactalbumin, glycomacropeptide, and immunoglobulins. These
exhibit a plethora of immune-enhancing properties. Also whey is capable to act
as an antioxidant, antihypertensive,antitumor, hypolipidemic,
antiviral,antibacterial, and chelating agent. The property of whey to be able
to intracellularly convert amino acid cysteine to glutathione, a potent
intracellular antioxidant gives it the name of a healer.
Numerous clinical
trials vouch for the healing or curing properties of Whey for multiple diseases
such as cancer, HIV, hepatitis B, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and as
an antimicrobial agent and an infant colic and immune builder. Whey protein is
also useful as a performance enhancer in exercise.
Milk constituents have
become functional foods having a noticeable impact on health. Whey, a
by-product of cheese and curd manufacturing, is a popular dietary protein supplement
purported to provide antimicrobial activity, immune modulation, improved muscle strength and body composition, and to prevent
cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Processes such as microfiltration,
reverse osmosis, and ion-exchange,have resulted in development of several different
finished whey products.
Each whey product varies in
the amount of protein, carbohydrates, immunoglobulins, lactose, minerals, and
fat in the finished product which determine its category according to the
application desired out of it.
Whey needs to be evaluated
here to understand briefly what Whey is made up of. First of all it has sufficient amounts of Amino Acids and in higher
concentrations than vegetables or soy or corn which are the other sources of
proteins, specifically leucine, important for tissue growth and repair. Leucine
has been identified as a key amino acid in protein metabolism.
Whey proteins are rich in
sulfur containing amino acids cysteine and methionine. With a high
concentration of these amino acids, immune function is enhanced through
intracellular conversion to glutathione.
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding
glycoprotein, is a non-enzymatic antioxidant found in whey. However, the concentration
in most commercial whey protein powders is only 0.35-2.0 percent of total
proteins.
An immunoglobulin (Ig) is an antibody or
gamma-globulin. There are five classes of antibodies – IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and
IgM. IgG constitutes approximately 75 percent of the antibodies in an adult.
Beta-Lactoglobulin
represents approximately half of the total protein in bovine whey, which has the
potential to modulate lymphatic responses.
Alpha-Lactalbumin
alpha-Lactalbumin is one of the main proteins found in human
and bovine milk. It comprises approximately 20-25 percent of whey proteins and
contains a wide variety of amino acids, including a readily available supply of
essential and branched chain amino acids.
Lactoperoxidase Whey
contains many types of enzymes, including hydrolases, transferases, lyases,
proteases,and lipases. Capable of destrying many bacteria.
Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is also referred to
as casein macropeptide. GMP is a protein
present in whey at 10-15
percent
and is a source of essential amino acids .
Whey protein has been clinically studied of late
although with limited trials to date on it’s various effects on a host of
health conditions, from cancer to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.It
has been found useful in the treatment and regulation of many critical diseases
and syndromes, some of which are briefly touched upon here.
Cancer-
In a
study published by Keri Marshall, ND MS, clinical trials on tumour subjects on
various stages of malignancies have indicated that Whey
protein concentrates are effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Glutathione stimulation is thought
to be the primary immune-modulating mechanism. The amino acid precursors to
glutathione available in whey are thought to increase glutathione concentration in relevant tissues
and stimulate immunity.
Some researchers also believe
the iron-binding capacity of whey may also contribute to anticancer potential,
as iron may act as a mutagenic agent causing oxidative damage to tissues.
In a
recent clinical trial, 20 patients with stage IV malignancies (one bladder,
five breast, two prostate, one neuroblastoma, one ovarian, one gastric, three
colon, one mesothelioma, two lymphoma,two non-small cell lung, and one osteosarcoma)
received a combination of 40 g/day nondenatured whey protein concentrate. After
six months there were 16 survivors, all of whom had significantly higher NK
function and higher mean haemoglobin and hematocrit levels. All patients noted
having an improved quality of life during the course of the study.
Hepatitis Whey proteins affect patients
with Hepatitis B or C. It hs been clinically seen through open and closed
clinical studies that whey subjects responded better to controlling the
disease.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients with
HIV have Glutathione deficiency . Therefore to
increase cysteine, and ultimately glutathione, several studies have been
conducted on the use of whey proteins in HIV-positive individuals. Both studies
note an improvement in quality of life with increased exercise and whey protein
intake.
Antimicrobial Lactoferrin in the whey helps redue infection
against many viruses including E coli and increase the immunity to fight off
invasions.
Cardiovascular Disease
CVD It has been established beyond doubt in science that high fat intake
increases the risk of CVD, which is also is linked to a number of other
factors, such as age, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol
intake, quality of dietary fat must be taken into consideration.
Several studies have found
milk intake and milk products lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of
hypertension, significantly impacting HDLs to increase and triglycerides to
decrease thereby creating an ideal environment in prevention of CVD.
Exercise Whey protein supplements,
including purified alpha-lactalbumin liquids, having high protein and BCAAs
content help enhance performance and tolerance levels.
Obesity a serious problem the world over is being tackled
with whey, thought to be an attractive source of dietary
protein. Whey protein isolates can be as high as 95-percent protein, after the
removal of fat and lactose, and contain valuable minerals and vitamins. Whey
has made a significant commercial impact in the weight-loss industry for its
protein content alone. The essential and non-essential amino acids in whey act
as substrates for protein synthesis and may improve body mass index in
individuals participating in exercise programs.
Osteoporosis- Milk
has been proposed as a nutritional food that aids in the prevention of
osteoporosis due to its bio available calcium content. Milk basic protein
(MBP), a component of whey, has the ability to stimulate proliferation and differentiation
of osteoblastic cells as well as suppress bone resorption. Similarly whey helps
in repair of Gastrointestinal
lesions and controlling disorders.
Building
Muscle Tissue- Protein powder is a favourite supplement of muscle
building regimens with high-quality protein. Shakes are consumed by athletes
and sports drinks are galore. The modern day concepts rely heavily on this
trait of protein supplementation on which the gym and body building industry
thrives. However, is is advised to consume the supplement according to need and
in moderation and under medical advise and supervision.
Basic
Knowledge on whey- There are various types of protein powders and ideal
choice has to be arrived at by each user. Choice should not be based on “promises”
made in an advertisement or packaging, product or label. All Products advertise
on their benefits on labels and packaging such as undenatured whey protein
which for example is next to impossible as manufacturing laws require it to be
pasteurized. This may rob the product of it’s effective ingredient however we
need to have basic knowledge of whey protein so that we can differentiate.
Similarly cold filtered protein powder
on labels could be mythical as the actual filtering process that concentrates
the whey into the final percentage of protein (typically +80%) has nothing to
do with the fact that most manufacturers who “cold filter” their whey are still
flash pasteurizing it at the highest possible temperature beforehand. Why? Because it only takes fifteen
seconds to flash pasteurize whey and it takes fifteen minutes to pasteurize it
at the lowest heat levels. So
you can produce more whey if you only take 1/60th of the time at this stage of
processing.
Products may exhibit that they are 100%
hydrolyzed where as if that is the case powder would be inedible as broken down
(hydrolyzed) protein will not be bound together. The immunoglobulin is bound to
the fat globule and as such fat stripped protein may be deficient in it’s
properties.
Protein bars sometimes may be under-dosing the protein and
overstate the amount on the label. Although powders are
better, they're still under-dosed in a lot of cases. They may
contain carbohydrates far in excess of what the label states.
Most protein powder comes from a very few manufacturers
who source it from the same regions and with same raring techniques which are
obviously commercially driven processes. Products may be in thousands boasting
a plethora of unique properties but sourcing is almost uniformly same for all
commercial brands.
A US Consumer
Report July 2010 Article indicated the most popular brands of whey protein in
the US had high concentrations of heavy metals including lead, arsenic, and
cadmium which can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, kidney, and
promote cancer when accumulated in high concentrations.
Consuming the required amount
only and not excessively is important and a doctor is the best one to establish
that. Excessive amounts can lead to weight gain, kidney problems and increased
cholesterol, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The
University of California Los Angeles reports that the human body can absorb and
utilize a maximum of 0.91 g of protein per pound of body weight per day. Similarly
McKinley Health Center in the US recommends 20 g to 25 g of protein powder per
day for the average active adult.
Side
Effects of Whey Protein- Those building muscle could gain weight
with using whey as a supplement as it has added sugars and carbohydrates or
some may even have fat. Since all this comes in liquid form intake it may not
satisfy the solid meal deficiency resulting in eating more than required which
could increase body weight. Especially builder protein or gainer protein for
lean bodies is to be avoided for normal physiques and hence it is important
that labels are read carefully before usage to understand the body type for
which product is designed.
Whey protein can worsen a kidney stone health
condition and even cause them although this is not conclusively proven. Whey
protein eaters are advised to add a sufficient fibre cntent to their diet.
It is therefore very important that a normal
balanced whey consumption regimen is adopted which contains fat and
carbohydrates as well, consumed alongwith a normal meal diet. Having too much
of protein shakes or a heavy protein imbalance can cause upset bowels and
irritable digestive tract.
Weak protein digesting people can switch to
other proteins asuch as rice, soy and hemp which do not contain lactose and are
easily digestible.
In some cases people with genetic history of
gout have been associated with increased symptoms of the disease with whey
protein intake. In case amino acids are not digested or used up, the body
organs which filter them out such as the liver and kidneys could be put under
tremendous pressure resulting in organ damage. It is therefore advisable not to
exceed daily prescribed intake of protein both in powder or shake form. Protein shakes can be high in
calories, so if you're not exercising, they can contribute to weight gain. Whey
is a natural by-product of cow’s milk, and, in powdered form, one of the most
popular fitness supplements available. There’s nothing inherently risky about
whey protein by itself, but following a diet that’s very high in protein for an
extended period of time entails risks, especially if you’re not trying to build
muscle. Before you make whey a regular part of your eating plan, get the
go-ahead from your doctor.
As a sports drink protein supplements should
be had in the range 0.5-0.7.5 grams of protein per pound body weight daily for
casual exercise cases and 0.6-0.9 grams per pound of body weight in case of
professional athletes.
The active precursor in amino acids
glutathione can also be increased by following a regular exercise regimen and
eating fresh fruits and vegetables although green vegetables when cooked almost
entirely loose the precursor property.
Chemicals, toxins and sugar also decrease
glutathione levels rapidly.
Milk thistle herb is a rich
source of silymarin which may prevent glutathione depletion in the liver.
Curcumin a concentrated
form or extract of turmeric is also known to increase glutathione levels.
All in all our own sagacity
is more important as to what we require and desire as sometimes some compelling
desires can be time and health wasters.
Disclaimer: Information contained in this write up is for education
and awareness purposes only and for non commercial use. It is not to be used as
a medical advice or prescription. Readers desiring consumption of whey must
consult their medical practitioner before consumption.
Some of the
information or content herein including are extracted from articles of various
authors and researchers, including University of Maryland Health Centre and
studies published by Keri Marshall, ND MS.
