When athletes and bodybuilders train and work out, their bodies need higher levels of protein to breakdown into the amino acids responsible for muscle growth and repair. While protein is generally obtained from certain food in the diet, it is often not sufficient to sustain the elevated training programs taken on by these athletes and bodybuilders. To help elevate the body’s intake of protein to the required level, one of the easiest ways is to take a form of supplement known as whey protein concentrate powder.

Whey protein concentrate powder is a protein supplement that comes from whey, which is a by-product of the production of cow’s milk cheese. Whey protein is easily digested by the body and is weight for weight the most prevalent source of protein of all food products.
 
Whey protein concentrate powder is very similar in many respects to whey protein isolate, although there are some differences. Concentrate powder contains low levels of fats and cholesterol but balances that out with higher levels of carbohydrates as lactose and bioactive compounds. Whereas brands of isolates have a more stable, definable protein level of around 90% by weight, certain brands and even batches of concentrates can vary in their levels of protein of from 29% up to 89% by weight. As the levels of protein found in concentrate gets lower, the levels of fat, cholesterol and/or lactose generally increases.

The biological level, or BV, of concentrate which has a maximum of 104 is also not as high as isolate which can have a max BV of up to 157. However, whey protein concentrate powder is still a highly effective form of muscle building, strengthening and repairing supplement, especially when you compare it to meat protein which has a BV of only 80.

Even though whey protein concentrate appears to be a less pure form of protein than the isolate form, there is little scientifically obtained evidence to suggest that concentrate is a considerably less effective supplement for bodybuilders or athletes. There are also benefits to whey protein concentrate powder over isolate.

The main benefit is that concentrate digests more slowly because of the additional fats, lactose and cholesterol it contains, which makes it a perfect overnight protein. In this sense it feeds the muscles more gradually with amino acids and other nutrients while you sleep. The secondary benefit is the cost, as concentrate is much less costly than isolate weight for weight, making it perfect for those on beginner or even intermediate training levels.