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Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Whey protein represents one of the most rapidly digestible proteins, providing your body and muscles with a large amount of amino acids just 30-45 minutes after consumption. However, as with all naturally occurring proteins, the amino acids contained in Whey Protein are in the form of complex protein molecules consisting of a large amount of interconnected amino acids. Since the body can only absorb free amino acids and short peptide chains consisting of a maximum of 2 or 3 amino acids via the intestines, these complex protein molecules must first be digested and thus 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 Hydrolysate, the time needed for digestion can be significantly reduced. Whey protein hydrolysate is Whey protein that has been enzymatically broken down into di- and tripeptides that can be absorbed directly by the body. In this context, it is also often referred to as predigested protein, since the enzymes in the production of protein hydrolysate 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 here depends strongly 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, supplying your body and muscles with much-needed amino acids even faster.

What are the differences between Whey Protein Hydrolysates?

The main difference between different Whey Protein hydrolysates is 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 Hydrolysate would consist exclusively of free amino acids and di- and tripeptides. Most Whey Protein Hydrolysates on the market have a significantly lower degree of hydrolysis, which is not necessarily a disadvantage. A partially hydrolyzed protein that contains 20-50% di- and tripeptides provides you with a combination of readily available peptides and somewhat slower digesting intact Whey protein, resulting in a very rapid onset of increased amino acid levels in the blood that lasts longer than pure hydrolyzed Whey protein. In other words, this gives you the best of both worlds. In addition to this, a partial hydrolysate has a much less bitter and unpleasant aftertaste than a pure hydrolysate.

In what situations is the use of Whey Protein Hydrolysate beneficial?

Using Whey Protein Hydrolysate makes the most sense before, during, and after training, as these are the times when your body can benefit the most from a quick amino acid supply. Before and during training, a Whey Protein Hydrolysate will quickly provide your muscles with amino acids that will help prevent a training-induced catabolic state, while after training 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 to your advantage.

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.
  • Optimally suited for use before, during and after training.