Whey protein concentrate is the cheapest and most common form of whey protein

Whey protein

Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. Some preclinical studies in rodents have suggested that whey protein may possess anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties; however, human data is lacking...

. Whey protein concentrate is a common athletic supplement used to increase dietary protein

Protein

Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...

 intake, often with the goal of maximizing muscle hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy is an increase in the size of muscle cells. It differs from muscle hyperplasia, which is the formation of new muscle cells.-Hypertrophy stimuli:A range of stimuli can increase the volume of muscle cells...

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Whey protein typically comes in three major forms: concentrate (WPC), isolate

Whey protein isolate

A whey protein isolate is a dietary supplement created by filtering milk protein. Whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process...

 (WPI), and hydrolysate

Hydrolysate

Whey protein hydrolysate is considered the gold standard of protein powders. Unlike concentrate of isolate forms of whey protein, hydrolysates are enzymatically predigested for maximal speed of absorption. This additional processing often comes at an increased cost, but is considered superior for...

(WPH).

Concentrates typically a low (but still significant) level of fat and cholesterol but, in general, have higher levels of bioactive compounds as well as carbohydrates in the form of lactose — they are only 29%–89% protein by weight.