Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Isolate, or WPI, is processed from Whey Protein Concentrate, allowing individual protein fractions to be included or excluded from the nutrient. The process usually reduces the fat content by about 1-2%. Up until recently the only way to process Isolates was by ion exchange, in which the WPC undergoes electrolysis and washing with acids and alkalis to separate the fractions. Unfortunately this process removes most of the calcium and changes the molecular structure of some of the proteins. While WPI shares the same PDCAAS rating as WPC for quality and digestibility, WPI has a Biological Value inferior to WPC. So traditionally consumers have had to choose between a powder with a high BV and 80% protein yield (as in WPC) and one with a lower BV and a 90% yield (WPI).