Does Whey Protein Contain Lactose? Where Is the Truth?

Among other dietary supplements, whey protein is one common supplement among sports lovers, athletes, and anyone seeking to add some protein to their diet. But for those who are lactose intolerant or are sensitive to it, a question naturally follows: does this source of protein render lactose as its byproduct? We shall analyze in this article whether whey protein does indeed comprise lactose, the types of whey proteins and their differences as well as how to go about it if you are a lactose tolerant.

What is Division Whey Protein?

Whey may be defined as another protein product obtained in the cheese industry. After milk coagulation two major proteins are obtained: casein and whey. Whey is the residual liquid from the curdling process and contains high levels of calories and essential amino acids. That is why whey protein after workouts is used especially in protein bars, shakes or powders to aid recovery and muscle growth.

But on the other hand, since whey protein is derived from milk, there is always an element of lactose (a natural sugar present in milk) which is present in protein in modulating levels. The pertinent question to this is in what forms of proteins and how many of them is lactose any concern to those who are lactose intolerant.

Is Lactose Present in Whey Protein?

The straightforward answer is yes. There is lactose in whey protein but the quantity may differ from one product to the other. Determining the amount of lactose present in different whey protein varieties is crucial for those who are known to be lactose sensitive in order to avoid complications.

Types of Whey Protein: Concentrate vs Isolate

There are three primary types of whey protein. These include hydrolyzed whey protein, whey proteins isolate and whey protein concentrates. However, as known to such individuals, because of the differing proportions of lactose in the constituents, some of these kinds are more preferable for the lactose intolerant than others.

Whey Protein Concentrate

Whey Protein Concentrate, sometimes referred to as WPC, is characterized as the most well-known type of whey protein powder. Most of the time protein concentrates contain around 70-80% protein with the remainder being fats, carbohydrates and anti- metabolic calories. This means that the so-called whey concentrate contains also lactose. Those who have a disability with respect to dairy products or have a sensitivity to dairy products this leads to issues such as bloating or distention of the abdomen.

“I attempted whey concentrate but I always found myself bloated after having a shake,” Sarah an exercise enthusiast explains. “Whey isolate on the other hand was like a breath of fresh air.”

Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolate is a further type of whey protein that is subjected to additional treatment which entails removal of a majority of fat and lactose that could occur content of protein of 90 percent and or more. Due to extra otologous cultures derived from gut tissues, puree and washings in pregnant steady, which is farmed whey isolate, has rather less concentration of lactose and thus people suffering from intermediate lactogen deficiency can use such preparations without allergy.

“Can you find lactose in whey isolate? Sure, although it is barely a threshold everyone with lactose intolerance can safely cross,” explains Dr. Laura Martin. “That is a good option for people who prefer whey but do not want its disadvantages.”

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Whey hydrolysate is partially digested and randomly enzymatic hydrolysis takes place to yield shorter peptide chains which are easier and faster to assimilate. It basically contains little lactose. However, whey hydrolysate is less widely used and more expensive than other forms of whey.

Any such protein still cannot contain more than a small trace of lactose for those with severe lactose intolerance but such individuals should also consider alternative protein sources that are less likely to lead to such reactions, for instance non dairy.

Does whey protein have lactose?

Lactose intolerants suffer from even a very miniscule amount of lactose. Commercial whey protein concentrate has less lactose than whey protein isolate or hydrolysate. To illustrate, a serving of whey concentrate may contain 3-4 grams of lactose whereas whey isolate will have less than 1 gram.

This is why does whey protein have lactose becomes a critical question for those with lactose intolerance.

First Circle: Lactose Intolerance: Does Whey Protein Affect You?

Lactose intolerance occurs when there is a deficiency of lactase in the body which is primarily meant to breakdown lactose in the gut. The common symptoms are:

Bloating

Gas

Diarrhea

Stomach cramps

If you are lactose intolerant, it may be that some whey proteins will be better tolerated than others. These are the factors that you should bear in mind when selecting a whey protein supplement:

Check the Label

Whenever you buy any product, make sure that you scan the nutrition label for lactose information. Particularly products that indicate ‘lactose free’ are the better options for the people with severe lactose intolerance.

Whey Protein Isolate for Mild Intolerance

In the event of mild lactose intolerance, whey protein isolate is perhaps the most appropriate choice of all whey protein types. As a result, it goes without saying that it has low amounts of lactose, and most people with lactose intolerance will discover that they can tolerate this variant without issues. There are manufacturers that seem to editorialize by stating ultra-low levels of lactose.

Try Lactase Supplements

While for those who would want to stick with whey protein concentrate which contains lactose, use of lactase enzyme supplements can help in the digestion of the lactose preventing any discomfort.

"With the usage of lactase pills alongside whey concentrate shakes, everything changed." Uhuru created fitness trainer Mark. You do not get to realize the benefits and have digestive problems anymore.”

Alternative Protein Sources for Lactose Intolerance

Should that not help due to continuing discomfort, or simply in case of more severe lactose intolerance, whey protein still causes discomfort or if you have a more severe form of lactose intolerance, there are specific tips which are worth considering and trying in order to increase overall protein intake: .

Plant-Based Proteins

Pea protein, soy protein, rice protein are some of the common sources of proteins obtained from plants. These do not contain lactose and still offer a rich proteolytic source.

Egg White Protein

Egg protein powder is ample of high quality protein sources that is also lactose-free. This protein is very digestible and rich in assimilable protein and reasonable for lactose intolerant individuals.

Collagen Protein

The Ideal Protein contains collagen protein, which is a by-product that comes from animal parts including skin and bones, and it is free of lactose. However, while it is a partial protein, it is a good supplement to vary your other protein sources.

Conclusion: Whey Has Lactose Or Not?

To put it simply, does the protein powder whey contains lactose? Yes, though it depends on the kind of whey protein. Concentrates of whey protein are generally higher in lactose and may be handled intollerably by some lactose intolerant people. On the contrary, whey protein isolate has less quantity of lactose and is easily tolerated by most people with mild lactose intolerance. For people with a severe case of lactose intolerance, joining a lactose free regimen is advisable for instance use of protection as powders made from plants or eggs.

“Both whey isolate and protein powder have been good to me, but moreover they have worked for me as planned, without any discomfort,” said bodybuilder Maria. “It is a matter of understanding what works best for the individual.”

When selecting one’s protein supplement, one should always consider, whether or not one is able to tolerate lactose, read the labels and follow up with a physician if necessary.