A good nutrition plan is one based on a well-balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Many athletes use supplemental protein shakes and bars for additional daily protein consumption. Hydrolyzed whey protein is a form of protein that has been processed by breaking the protein chains into smaller segments, making it easier for humans to digest. This hydrolysis process makes the protein absorb faster in the human body because it is in a predigested form.
Protein supplements have become popular for many performance athletes over the last few decades. These protein powders and supplemental energy bars are well known as a means of increasing basic skeletal muscle. A healthy diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats with vitamins generally produces significant performance gains in any athlete.
Today there are many supplemental forms of proteins available. These include proteins from plants, eggs, and whey. Whey protein comes in three basic forms, which are concentrated, hydrolyzed, and isolate. Each form of protein has specific uptake properties that determine how long the protein will take to process through the digestive system.
One of the most concentrated forms of whey protein is hydrolyzed whey protein. This type of protein mixes well with most liquids and is quickly digestible. The hydrolyzed whey protein is typically more expensive then standard protein supplements because it has been processed for faster digestion.
Hydrolyzed whey protein has a bitter taste. This is because the process for breaking the protein into smaller digestible particles produces a bitter flavor in the protein powder. Most retailers limit the percentage of hydrolyzed protein in total because of the expense in the process and the unpopular flavor that it produces.
This type of whey is the fastest digestible source of whey protein available. Because of the fast absorption properties, it is an excellent form of protein to use immediately after a workout. When consumed, the smaller protein amino acids bypass the stomach ingestion process and are absorbed into the small intestine. This streamlined process creates a faster uptake of protein and amino acids into the human body, which has the opportunity of generating more lean muscle.
The hydrolyzed protein supplements come in an assortment of flavors similar to other whey proteins. Typically whey proteins are available in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The hydrolyzed whey protein will be bolder in taste because of the bitter nature of the process. These products are only produced from milk as there are no soy versions of hydrolyzed protein.