Whey protein hydrolyzate

Whey protein is one of the fastest digesting proteins, providing your body and muscles with a large amount of amino acids just 30 to 45 minutes after consumption. However, as with all naturally occurring proteins, the amino acids in whey protein are in the form of complex protein molecules consisting of a large number of amino acids linked together. As the body can only absorb free amino acids and short peptide chains consisting of a maximum of 2 or 3 amino acids via the intestine, these complex protein molecules must first be digested and broken down into free amino acids and so-called di- and tripeptides (molecules consisting of 2 or 3 amino acids) before the body can absorb them.

With the help of whey protein hydrolyzate, the time required for digestion can be significantly reduced. Whey protein hydrolyzate is whey protein that has been enzymatically broken down into di- and tripeptides that can be directly absorbed by the body. In this context, it is often referred to as predigested protein, as the enzymes in the production of protein hydrolyzate take over the splitting of the protein molecules, which normally takes place during the digestion of protein in the human body. The proportion of di- and tripeptides strongly depends on the degree of hydrolysis. Hydrolysis therefore provides you with a protein source that has the same high biological value and the same high proportion of anabolic and anti-catabolic branched-chain amino acids as whey protein and supplies your body and muscles with urgently needed amino acids even faster.

What is the difference between whey protein hydrolysates?

The main difference between different whey protein hydrolysates lies in the degree of hydrolysis. The higher the degree of hydrolysis, the greater the proportion of immediately usable di- and tripeptides. A 100% hydrolyzed whey protein hydrolyzate would consist exclusively of free amino acids and di- and tripeptides. Most whey protein hydrolysates available on the market have a significantly lower degree of hydrolysis, which is not necessarily a disadvantage. A partially hydrolyzed protein that is 20 to 50% di- and tri-peptide will provide you with a combination of immediately available peptides and slightly slower digesting intact whey protein, resulting in a very rapid onset of blood amino acid levels that last longer than pure hydrolyzed whey protein. In other words, you get the best of both worlds. In addition, a partial hydrolysate has a much less bitter and unpleasant aftertaste than a pure hydrolysate.

In which situations is the use of whey protein hydrolyzate advantageous?

The use of whey protein hydrolyzate makes the most sense before, during and after training, as your body can benefit most from a quick supply of amino acids at these times. Before and during exercise, a whey protein hydrolysate will quickly supply your muscles with amino acids that will help prevent an exercise-induced catabolic state, while after exercise it can significantly speed up the onset of the recovery process, which will help you make the most of the critical post-workout anabolic window.

What are the main benefits of Whey Protein Hydrolysate?

• Fastest possible digestion and absorption, as part of the protein has been broken down into free amino acids and di- and tripeptides.
• Very high biological value.
• Ideal for use before, during and after training.