Whey Protein Concentrate is the simplest and cheapest form of whey protein by far, derived from sweet dairy whey and used extensively by many supplement companies in an effort to bolster protein content at an extremely favorable price, thus profit margin. Concentrate can vary anywhere from 34-80% protein, so even in the best form, there is only 80% useable product. Whey Concentrate is much higher in fat and carbs (lactose) than the premium Whey Isolates, therefore resulting in far less assimilation by the stomach and intestines. If someone has upset stomach problems with supplemental protein shakes the culprit is almost always Whey Concentrate
Ion Exchange is a procedure that separates the proteins based upon their electrical charge. The extraction process happens by controlling the electrical charge on the proteins using chemicals, and therefore attaching them to resins in the reaction vessel. The finished product is fat and lactose free and contains some of the microfractions necessary for muscle repair and overall health. Ion Exchange whey isolate is slightly higher in actual protein content than it’s competing isolate product (Cross Flow Microfiltered) however that does not necessarily guarantee it a superior product as it has a different mineral profile and some people feel the ceramic microfiltered method is a cleaner / more pure manufacturing process.
Milk Protein Isolate 90% is a spray dried milk protein manufactured from fresh skim milk using an ultra-filtration process. Low temperature processing retains this product’s excellent flavor, nutritional, and functional properties. Due to mild processing conditions the natural milk calcium and phosphorus are retain with the protein. Both the casein and whey proteins are recovered in Milk Protein Isolate 90%, producing a protein with high nutritional value and a clean, milky flavor