The Chemistry of Whey Protein

Introduction

Many factors contribute to the formation of my huge muscles. Whether it be hitting the gym every day, twice a day, or the massive amounts Ilift, one specific substance that helps with building and toning these bad boys is the whey protein I take, usually after an extremely tough workout. Whey protein can also be used as a meal replacement, packing at least 120 calories into every serving! One thing’s for sure, and that is that this stuff really works!

Whey Protein is a fine powder that you can mix with just about anything. It can be all sorts of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cookies and cream. You can buy whey protein at most fitness stores, and the prices range from twenty dollars to one-hundred and twenty dollars.

I chose whey protein for my dot dot dot project, because it is a big part of my life, and I was very interested in how it worked within the body. I also was curious as to how it made my muscles grow so rapidly within short amounts of time.

Composition of ...

    • Premium Whey Protein Blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate)
    • Maltodextrin
    • Recovery Blend (creatine monohydrate, taurine,l-leucine, l-isoleucine, l-valine,l-glutamine)
    • Glycine
    • Natural and Artificial Flavors
    • Gum Blend (cellulose gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan)
    • Soy Lecithin
    • Acesulfame Potassium
    • Sucralose
    • Contains milk and soy ingredients. May contain sulfites.
    • Cellulose gum (for flavor and protein thickener)
  • Xanthan gum(for flavor and protein thickener)

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

    • Main active ingredient: Casein

1. This is the by-product produced during the curdling of milk.

2. Have an appropriate amino acid composition for growth and development of the young.

3. C47 H48 N3 O7 S2 Na is the chemical formula for Casein.

4. Casein is a solid.

5. It is flammable at high temperatures.

    • Main inactive ingredient: Lecithin

1. Can be obtained by degumming the extracted oil of seeds.

2. Essential for a healthy metabolism.

3. Lecithin aids in cardiovascular health.

4. It also helps with fetal development and physical and athletic performance.

5. Gives consistent texture to its products.

Chemistry's Role

Whey protein has chemicals within that help to build muscles and restore dying cells. Whey protein undergoes chemical reactions that cause muscles to grow faster than they normally would, supplying nutrients to oxyradicals that are formed when the muscles become tired and fatigued. These nutrients then neutralize the oxyradicals, and the muscles are free to continue growing, without the pains and aches. Whey protein’s ability to rebuild muscles helps for the growth and the development of the young, especially, because that is the point in time whenever the muscles are growing the most rapidly.

Background Research

    1. Protein is used by many different types of people. Some examples are bodybuilders, strength trainers, endurance athletes, people on weight loss programs, those new to strength/weight training, vegetarians, and team sports players.
    2. There are no negative side effects to using protein, unless you are allergic to dairy products, for milk is used to mix with the powder.
    3. There are three different types of whey protein- Whey isolate, whey concentrate and whey protein blend. Whey isolate is the most pure form of protein, and it is fat-free,lactose-free and carb-free. Whey concentrate is not as pure and is slightly higher in fat and lactose. Whey blend is a blend of the two.
    4. How much protein you need depends on your weight, and what affects you are hoping to acheive.
    5. One way that whey protein helps you is by creating a feeling of satiety. (feeling full)
    6. There is no scientific evidence linking protein intake to kidney problems.
  1. Whey proteins include a long list of enzymes, hormones, growth factors, nutrient supporters, and disease resistance factors.

Resources

Composition ingredients found on Muscletech 100% premium whey protein bag at home.

http://www.muscleandstrength.com/expert-guides/whey-protein

This website provided facts on different types of protein and side effects of protein.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/307056-gnc-whey-protein-powder-ingredients/

2 main ingredients of whey protein and what makes up the main ingredients

http://www.soyconnection.com/sites/default/files/Soy-Lecithin-Fact-Sheet.pdf

This website allowed me to access information on how Lecithin helps your body.

About the Author

Shelby Swanson is a 16 year old 11th grader at Billings Senior High. Her hobbies include working out, working out, and working out. She enjoys long runs on the bea

ch and her idea of a perfect date is a long lifting session, followed by a romantic protein-filled dinner. Shelby currently resides with her family of 7 in Billings, Montana

Special thanks to Austin Schiesser for letting me borrow his biceps.