10 Point of Difference b/w Casein & Whey Protein

1)The main difference between the two is that whey spikes the protein level much higher in a short period of time.

2) The thing to be noted here although, whey protein results in a rapid hike in muscle protein synthesis in the blood, but it is short-lived as at the same time it is also flushed out immediately from the blood, lowering the protein content in the blood but on the other side Casein protein results in 34% reduction in muscle protein breakdown, maintaining a positive net protein balance.

3) The most important fact which nobody cares is this that Muscle Protein Synthesis takes place inside the body for about next 36 hours after the workout is over which is an important phase of recovery.

4) It means that although whey spikes the blood protein level inside the blood relatively higher than the casein for a shorter period of time, it does not stay in the blood till the process of protein synthesis continues which is for the next 36 hours whereas whey protein stays only for about an hour.

5) However, casein is a slow digesting protein & also because of its catabolic properties it doesn’t spike the protein synthesis in the blood immediately, instead it stays in the blood for next 8 hours releasing all the essential nutrients slowly making the person feel satire for a longer time.

Some other Differences b/w Casein & Whey Protein -

6) Taste: Whey is tastier as compared to casein protein. Whey protein has a thin consistency which is easier to consume, while casein has thick and creamy texture. Hydrolyzed casein may taste bitter and slightly chalky.

7) Price: Whey protein is the by-product of cheese and undergoes less processing, while casein protein undergoes many chemical processes which make it costlier as compared to whey.

8) Effect on protein synthesis & degradation: Whey protein enhances protein synthesis but doesn’t affect protein degradation while casein decreases protein degradation but doesn’t affect protein synthesis.

9) The flow of amino acids: Whey protein is rich in amino acids and provides the instant flow of amino acid in the bloodstream, while casein provides a slow and steady flow of amino and has a lower percentage of BCAA compared to whey protein.

10) Lactose intolerance: Casein is not preferable to people who are lactose intolerant as casein protein is high on lactose and calcium while, Whey protein isolates contain less amount of lactose & hence a good choice for lactose intolerant people.