WPC, WPI, WPH protein supplements – how do they differ?

The basis for the three abbreviated names of products from one category of dietary supplements, namely WPC, WPI and WPH, is WP, or ‘whey protein’. Whey proteins form an entire branch of preparations dedicated to athletes and people with increased protein requirements in their diet. They are available both as separate products and in various mixtures.

1. WPC – whey protein concentrate
2. WPI – whey protein isolate
3. WPH – whey protein hydrolysate
4. Protein supplements – how do they differ? Summary

WPC – whey protein concentrate

The product known as WPC is the most commonly used form of protein supplement, not only in the category of milk-based protein supplements. A typical preparation containing whey protein concentrate has 60 to 80 g of protein per 100 g and several grams of fat and carbohydrates. WPC is usually obtained through ultrafiltration, a process that separates protein fractions from fats and carbohydrates. It is an easily digestible product, and the compounds it contains are easily absorbed by the body.

WPC is one of the best known sources of essential amino acids (EAA), including branched-chain amino acids, or BCAA. They play an important role in shaping the nitrogen balance, which is an indirect marker of the body's protein nutrition status. They participate in the activation of post-workout regeneration and contribute to a faster return of muscles to comfortable work.

WPI – whey protein isolate

Isolate is a product similar to concentrate, but it has a higher protein content and lower fat and carbohydrate content. This modification of the whey protein composition is possible thanks to an additional filtration process. A supplement containing WPI contains an average of 85 g of protein per 100 g and has about half the carbohydrates and fats of WPC. The target audience for this type of product are usually people who want to ‘clean up’ their diet as much as possible, reducing calories from energy sources in favour of building substances that help maintain muscle tissue in the best possible condition, which indirectly facilitates fat loss.

WPH – whey protein hydrolysate

Hydrolysate is the next ‘step’ in the process of obtaining a whey protein-based product that will provide almost pure protein and will be digested and absorbed from the digestive tract almost instantly. WPH is obtained by subjecting whey proteins to enzymatic breakdown, which enables rapid transport of consumed building substances to target tissues. Hydrolysates are most often chosen by people who consume very large amounts of protein and train at a professional level.

Protein supplements – how do they differ? Summary

Whey protein concentrates, isolates and hydrolysates provide a significant portion of the daily requirement for both BCAA and EAA amino acids, but they can be useful not only for athletes, but also for young people, the elderly and those who are physically and intellectually active.