Whey protein is one of the most popular supplements in the world. It is obtained by separating the fraction rich in proteins from liquid cheese and it is commonly used to increase the intake of proteins, to improve body composition and strength, reduce recovery time after exercise, among other health benefits. Although whey is a natural product and highly effective for what it does, its consumption is not free of controversy and many people wonder if it can cause health problems over the long term.
Whey comes from Milk and Milk is Completely Gluten Free. So Yes Whey is 100% Gluten Free.
Whey is the liquid part of milk that separates out when it is made into cheese
Whey protein powder is made by separating the whey from the curds during cheese production. Whey protein powder can come from cow’s milk or soybeans; both versions are usually referred to as whey protein isolate. The latter is more expensive than regular whey protein but has a better amino acid profile.
Whey protein powder contains between 50% and 80% protein by weight (depending on how much water is removed), with low amounts of fat, carbohydrate and lactose (milk sugar). It also contains various minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Both whey protein and isolated whey protein (WPI) are gluten free
Whey is one of the two proteins found in milk, the other being casein. Whey is a byproduct of cheese making and is often used as a protein supplement to boost the protein content of foods such as breakfast cereals and yogurt.
Whey contains all nine essential amino acids that are needed for good health, but it does not contain all of these amino acids in equal amounts. It has high levels of leucine, which can stimulate muscle growth, and also has high levels of glutamine, an amino acid that helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes restful sleep.
Main Types of Whey Protein
Whey protein is a natural by-product of cheese production. There are many types of whey protein available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Here are the main types of whey protein:
- Whey Isolate: Whey isolate is made from concentrate by filtering it to remove lactose, fat and cholesterol. It contains 90 percent protein and almost no carbs or fat. Whey isolate is also very low in lactose and doesn’t cause digestive problems like other forms of whey do. The downside is that it costs more than other forms of whey because it takes more energy to produce
- Whey Concentrate: This form contains at least 80 percent protein but also has a higher amount of carbs and fats than isolate does (less than 5 grams per serving). It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a less expensive option with fewer side effects than isolate.
- Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate: Hydrolyzed whey has been partially hydrolyzed (broken down) into smaller particles so it
Ingredients to Check for Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people have an autoimmune reaction to gluten and must avoid it.
Ingredients that are often derived from wheat, rye or barley include:
- Flour
- Wheat starch
- Wheat protein isolates
- Modified food starch (can be made from wheat)
- Brown rice flour (may be contaminated with gluten)
- Maltodextrin**(can be made from corn or potato starch)
How to Identify If a Whey Protein Powder Contains Gluten
If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, you know how difficult it can be to find a suitable protein powder. Many whey proteins are made with wheat and contain gluten, which is the protein found in wheat that can cause serious health problems for people with celiac disease.
The good news is that there are several brands of protein powders that are 100 percent gluten free. These include:
ON 100% Whey Gold Standard is one of the most popular whey proteins around and one of the only ones that is certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten free. It also contains 21 grams of protein per serving, which makes it an excellent choice if your goal is to gain muscle mass.
What to Look for on Labels
Whey protein is a powder that’s derived from milk. It’s a popular ingredient in many sports supplements, as well as other products. Whey protein contains several different proteins, including alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and immunoglobulins.
Whey protein is often used to help people build muscle mass and lose weight. It can also help people recover after an intense workout session and improve their overall health and wellness.
Conclusion
Whey is a by-product of cheese production and is sold as a food ingredient. It’s used in recipes for its protein content, which makes it good for dieters. Whey contains lactose and is not suitable for those with an intolerance to dairy products. Contamination can occur when wheat or other grains are used to process whey, so they need to be specified on the label.