Protein Powder Classification

Protein powder can be classified in the following ways:
I. Classification by source
Animal protein
Whey protein
It's a protein extracted from milk. It has high nutritional value, contains 8 kinds of essential amino acids, and the ratio is reasonable, close to the human body's demand ratio, high nutritional value, easy digestion and absorption. It can be subdivided into concentrated whey protein, isolated whey protein and hydrolyzed whey protein.
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) : It is the most common whey protein product, containing a small amount of fat, lactose and other components, and the protein content is generally about 70-80%. For example, it can often be seen in the basic protein powder of many sports nutrition brands, and the cost performance is relatively high.
Isolated whey protein (WPI) : Protein purity is higher, usually more than 90%, almost free of fat and lactose. It is a good choice for lactose intolerant people or professional athletes and bodybuilders with high protein purity requirements. For example, some high-end fitness protein powder products will focus on separating whey protein components.
Hydrolyzed whey protein (WPH) : It is the whey protein after hydrolysis process, which breaks down the large molecular protein into small molecular peptide chains and amino acids, so that it is easier for human digestion and absorption, especially for people with weak gastrointestinal function. This protein is used in some nutritional supplements for people recovering from surgery or for gastrointestinal sensitivities.
casein
Also derived from milk, it is a phosphorus-calcium binding protein that is digested and absorbed relatively slowly in the human body. Casein provides the body with a steady supply of amino acids that help prevent muscle breakdown. Generally eaten before going to bed, it can continue to provide nutrients for muscles during sleep and promote muscle repair and growth. For example, for bodybuilders who want to increase muscle mass, eating casein and whey protein together at night can better meet the protein needs of muscles.
Egg white protein
It's derived from the egg white. Its nutritional value is also very high, the amino acid composition is close to the human body, is a high-quality protein. Its biological price (BV) is high and can be used well by the human body. And egg white protein does not contain cholesterol, suitable for people concerned about cardiovascular health. For example, some fitness people who have strict requirements for cholesterol intake or middle-aged and elderly people will consider egg white protein when choosing protein powder.
Vegetable protein
Soy protein
This is a protein extracted from soybeans. Its advantage is that it does not contain cholesterol, and is rich in isoflavones, which has certain health effects, such as reducing cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease. The amino acid composition of soy protein is reasonable, but methionine is slightly lower. It is relatively inexpensive and is an important source of supplemental protein for vegetarians and people allergic to animal protein. For example, the main ingredient of many vegetarian protein powders is soy protein, and some plant-based meat products are also soy protein as the main raw material to simulate the taste and nutrition of meat.
Pea protein
Derived from peas, it is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids. Pea protein has a high content of branched-chain amino acids, which is helpful for muscle repair and growth. It also has a higher digestibility and a lower risk of allergies. In some emerging plant-based protein powders, pea protein is one of the main ingredients, which is especially suitable for vegetarians and people who are not allergic to beans.
cannabin
Extracted from hemp seeds, it is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, and contains all essential amino acids with good nutritional value. However, it is important to note that the cannabis here is industrial cannabis, which is fundamentally different from drug cannabis. Its protein content is relatively low, but it is used in some plant-based protein powders that focus on nutritional comprehensiveness.
Brown rice protein
It's a protein extracted from brown rice. It contains a variety of essential amino acids, but like soy protein, it is slightly lower in methionine. The advantage of brown rice protein is that it is rich in dietary fiber and other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It is a good choice for people who want to increase their dietary fiber intake while supplementing with protein, such as some consumers who are concerned about gut health.
2. Classification by use
Sports nutrition protein powder
Mainly designed for athletes, fitness enthusiasts and other people. These protein powders usually contain a high percentage of high-quality protein, such as whey protein, to quickly replenish the protein the body needs after exercise, help repair damaged muscle tissue, and promote muscle growth. And the ingredients are adjusted based on factors such as the type of exercise (such as strength training, endurance training) and goals (muscle gain, fat loss). For example, in addition to containing a lot of protein, muscle building powder will also add a certain amount of carbohydrates to provide energy for muscle growth; Lipoprotein reduction powder will control the carbohydrate and fat content, emphasizing the high proportion of protein.
Medical protein powder
It is used in the medical field, mainly for some special groups, such as postoperative patients, malnourished elderly people, and people suffering from certain diseases that cause serious protein loss. The composition and formulation of these protein powders are more stringent, taking into account the patient's physical condition and special needs. For example, for patients with kidney disease, special low-protein, high-quality protein powder will be used to reduce the burden on the kidney; For burn patients, medical protein powders containing a variety of growth factors and a high concentration of protein are used to help the wound heal and the body recover.
Common nutritional supplement protein powder
For the general public, used to supplement the protein in the daily diet. The composition of these protein powders is relatively simple, and generally takes into account factors such as taste and price. For example, some office workers may have insufficient protein intake in their diet due to their busy work, so they can choose ordinary nutritional supplement protein powder to ensure their daily protein intake. This protein powder may be a single protein source or a mix of multiple proteins to provide a more complete nutrition.