Know What You're Taking: Isolate vs. Casein

Nancy Heijnis
4 September 2020
Reading time: 12 minutes

When you ask an athlete which supplements he or she is taking, you will almost always be told they are using whey proteins. Every athlete knows that proteins are valuable addition to the feeding schedule. Unfortunately, we still see too often that these athletes do not really know what the value of whey proteins are and what the different shapes precisely. In this article we explain the difference between whey and casein.

Whey (whey) Isolate is so popular because the amino acids from this isolate get into the bloodstream very quickly absorbed and thus fairly immediately available to the muscles. For example, the Protein synthesis starts quickly and there is a shortage in your body for less time to the so important amino acids. So by taking whey isolate you take care of it so that your muscles do not break down quickly (catabolic phase) but rather dispose of them about the right means to grow (anabolic phase).

Casein is also called a slow called protein because the absorption of the amino acids takes much more time.


Not every protein is the same, there are many different types of proteins, each just slightly different! So protein shakes differ in purity and speed of absorption.

The best-known proteins are whey proteins, Isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzate, casein, micellar casein, caseinate, soy protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and egg protein. In this article we will only discuss protein isolate and protein casein, 2 popular and valuable proteins for strength trainers.


We already have whey proteins once covered in an article on our website. Briefly described: Whey proteins (whey protein concentrate = WPC) consist of concentrated whey proteins. Due to the purity and the amino composition, the absorption in your body is in between the 70% and 85%. Especially this high withdrawal rate, combined with the fact that these proteins can be bought almost everywhere, makes it one of the most popular protein supplements.


Nowadays you have a lot of different whey protein types. The most famous are whey concentrate, isolate and hydrolyzate. Whey Isolate undergoes an additional processing where it gets rid of fats and carbohydrates. Whey Isolate, for example, contains virtually none milk sugars and contains more proteins per 100 grams than the whey concentrate. However, the whey Isolate is more expensive, due to the extra processing. The biggest advantage Whey Isolate is that it is absorbed faster in the body and the one higher insulin response. The big advantage is therefore that it is immediately after the training can be taken to prevent muscle breakdown.

Whey Isolate is used when you are lactose intolerant or if you have a slow metabolism. Whey Isolate is extremely suitable in one of these situations because this product is virtually lactose is free. Natural carbohydrates and fats are filtered out by one filter system (cold process). These proteins are so pure that your intestinal tract requires little effort to process the proteins. This is ideal for people on a strict diet and for those in competition preparation to be. Whey isolate is also interesting if you train very often. For in the in the evening we recommend a slower protein, so that there is a longer benefit from the protein intake.

M Double You recommends the enzyme lactase for people who are lactose intolerant. Then your problem is immediate fixed.


Casein protein consists of large protein chains. Your body takes longer to digest them. Casein has as an advantage that the body is supplied with amino acids. On the other hand, whey isolate has a faster absorption. Casein is often used after an evening workout to take care of it enough amino acids throughout the night. After 4- to 6 hours you still have a stable and increased amino acid level.

Casein is for people who have a fast have metabolism. Your body is then very fast processing the protein. Are you hungry soon after eating your lunch or dinner and /or are you eating? more than 3,500 calories per day with ease? Then there is a good chance that you better use casein than Isolate. Casein is also ideal for humans who take a protein shake before bed to provide their body for the night of the required proteins.

The question is which supplement is better irrelevant. They are in fact 2 different products that you order different reasons. Often these different proteins are also combined to a perfect mix.

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