Whey – Nutrients, Benefits and Uses

What is Whey?

Whey is the yellowish liquid that remains after milk has been curdled and strained during the production of cheese or cottage cheese. It accounts for approximately 80–90% of the original milk volume and contains a wide range of valuable nutrients.

Nutritional Profile

Whey consists largely of water but also contains significant amounts of:

• Whey protein: high-quality proteins including beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and immunoglobulins
• Lactose: the natural sugar found in milk
• Minerals: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium
• Vitamins: B vitamins (especially riboflavin/B2), vitamin C
• Bioactive peptides: with potentially health-promoting properties

Types of Whey

Sweet Whey

Produced during the manufacture of hard cheeses (e.g., Emmental, Gouda) via rennet coagulation. It has a mild taste and a pH of approximately 6–7.

Acid Whey

Produced during the manufacture of fresh cheese or quark through acidification. It has a sour taste and a lower pH value (below 5).

Health Benefits

Whey and whey protein are extensively studied in nutritional and sports science. Potential benefits include:

• Muscle growth and recovery: Whey protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly leucine, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis.
• Weight management: High protein content can increase satiety and help reduce appetite.
• Immune support: Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin found in whey may support immune function.
• Bone health: The calcium content contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
• Blood pressure regulation: Certain bioactive peptides derived from whey protein may have blood pressure-lowering effects.

Whey Protein Products and Usage

In the supplement industry, whey is processed into various product forms:

• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): contains 70–80% protein, still includes lactose and fat
• Whey Protein Isolate (WPI): contains over 90% protein, low in lactose and fat
• Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH): pre-digested protein for faster absorption

Whey drinks and powders are commonly used in sports nutrition, dietary therapy, and among older adults to prevent muscle loss (sarcopenia).

Recommended Intake

There is no single universal recommendation specifically for whey protein. The general protein recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) is 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for adults. Athletes may require 1.2–2.0 g per kg of body weight.

Tolerability and Safety

Whey is generally well tolerated. The following points should be considered:

• People with lactose intolerance should avoid whey concentrate and opt for whey isolate, which is low in lactose.
• Those with a cow milk allergy should avoid whey entirely, as it contains milk proteins.
• Very high protein intake may be problematic for individuals with impaired kidney function.

Whey in Traditional and Modern Nutrition

Whey has been used as a health remedy since ancient times. Today it is used as a beverage, in baked goods, as animal feed, and in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. As a byproduct of the cheese industry, its utilization contributes to sustainability.

References

1. Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein - Which is Best? Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2004;3(3):118-130.
2. Hulmi JJ, Lockwood CM, Stout JR. Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition and Metabolism. 2010;7:51.
3. World Health Organization (WHO): Protein and Amino Acid Requirements in Human Nutrition. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 935. Geneva, 2007.