Despite whey protein’s popularity in the dietary supplement industry, many consumers remain perplexed when it comes to this notable nutrient. Why the confusion? Well, whey protein comes in many different forms. There are whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolates, microfiltered whey, and ion exchange whey protein isolates. All are considered beneficial when it comes to performance enhancement and muscle recovery. However, perhaps none is more scrutinized than the ion exchange variety.

What Is Whey?
Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese-making process. When cheese is formed, whey separates from the milk casein, or curd. Considered one of the most beneficial of all protein sources, whey comprises lactose, fat, minerals, and, of course, protein. Whey protein is purified into various concentrations to reduce or eliminate fat and other by-products. This process of separation and purification allows us to utilize the nutritional diversity of the many different varieties of whey proteins, including ion exchange whey protein isolates.

At a Glance
Unlike whey protein concentrates, which contain only approximately 40 to 80 percent protein, isolates, such as ion exchange whey, contain anywhere from 90 to 100 percent protein. The majority of “impurities,” such as fat and lactose, are removed. This is done to enhance whey protein’s clarity, purity, and absorption, while minimizing the user’s chances of developing gastric disturbance and bloating.

Fact Versus Fiction
But does having the highest percentage of protein in a product necessarily mean that a given variety of whey protein is the most beneficial? No. Yet many manufacturers will lead you to believe that absolute protein content determines whether you’ll derive any benefit from a protein supplement. The truth is that the ion exchange process can remove from whey proteins the key, smaller subfractions, including alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins (IgGs), and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Each has its own unique biological property and performs a special action in the human body. Removing one, or all, of these subfractions of protein has been shown to be less beneficial to the user.

For example, BSAs, IgG1s (the first of IgG’s four forms), and beta-lactoglobulin are protein subunits and enhance certain complex sequences in the body that lead to the production of glutathione. Glutathione, or GSH, is an important immune system modulator and is considered by many experts to be the most significant water-soluble antioxidant found in the body. Interestingly, animal studies with whey and whey factors such as glutathione-enhancing subunits have been shown to be protective against certain types of cancers. Eliminating the production of such a valuable nutrient from protein by means of ion exchange would seem to cancel out the reasons for purchasing and ultimately consuming whey proteins. Yet, ion exchange whey protein isolates remain among the most popular of all proteins sold today.

What to Do?
Well, in the case of proteins, it seems that all proteins are not created equal. Ask yourself these questions: “Am I willing to spend my money on a whey protein that has had its main subunits depleted by the manufacturing process?” Or, “Will I spend my hard-earned money on a less popular product that I know will provide greater benefit for my body?” The choice seems obvious but, like everything else, is a matter of personal preference.

So, if you desire the highest protein content per gram, opt for ion exchange whey protein isolates, such as those found in Nature’s Best Isopure products, which are available in original, low-carb, and zero-carb formulations. If you want a protein that keeps the subfractions of protein unique to whey intact, look for a good concentrate or microfiltered isolate.

—Kristopher Foster