Whey Protein Isolate
Also known as: WPI, whey isolate, isolate protein, cross-flow microfiltered whey
Whey filtered to 90% or more protein by weight, with most lactose and fat removed. It is the benchmark protein for muscle protein synthesis because of its rapid digestion and high leucine content (about 10–11% of protein), and it is the preferred whey for lactose-sensitive consumers and lean, low-carb positioning. The ISSN protein position stand supports 20–40 g of high-quality protein per serving to maximize the anabolic response.
Research summary
Rapidly digested complete protein rich in leucine, driving a fast, large rise in muscle protein synthesis after ingestion.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 g | 20–30 g | 40 g | — |
20–30 g per serving covers most adults; 40 g is useful for larger individuals, older adults, or when the serving is the only protein in several hours. Doses are of the isolate powder, which is 90–94% protein, so a 25 g scoop supplies roughly 22–23 g protein. The ISSN also recommends total daily intake of 1.4–2.0 g/kg for active people.
Standardization: ≥90% protein (dry basis)
Source material: bovine milk whey, cross-flow microfiltered or ion-exchanged
As supplied: Typically 90–94% protein by weight.
Forms of Whey Protein
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whey Protein Isolate | 20–30 g | — | Powder | mid |
| Whey Protein Concentrate | 25–35 g | — | Powder | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Powder only; a serving is far beyond capsule or tablet capacity. Instantized grades with lecithin disperse without clumping. Mild dairy flavor, easy to flavor.
Formulation notes
Commonly formulated with creatine, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. Milk allergen declaration is mandatory; soy lecithin used for instantizing triggers a soy allergen statement unless sunflower lecithin is specified.
- Allergen: milk
Sources
Related ingredients
Whey Protein Concentrate
ProteinWhey concentrated by ultrafiltration to 70–80% protein, retaining more lactose, fat, and native bioactive fractions than isolate.
Typical: 25–35 g
Pea Protein Isolate
ProteinA plant protein isolated from yellow split peas, containing about 80–85% protein with a favorable essential-amino-acid profile for a legume.
Typical: 20–30 g
Casein Protein (Micellar)
ProteinThe predominant protein in milk, which forms a gel in the stomach and releases amino acids slowly over several hours.
Typical: 20–40 g
Egg White Protein
ProteinDried, pasteurized egg white delivering a complete, high-quality protein with a digestibility score comparable to whey, and naturally free of lactose, fat, and carbohydrate.
Typical: 20–30 g
Creatine Monohydrate
Sports performanceThe most researched sports supplement in existence.
Typical: 3–5 g