amino acid Amino Acids & Proteins Oral

Micellar Casein

A slow-digesting dairy protein composed of native casein micelles, providing a sustained release of amino acids to support muscle recovery and satiety.

Sci.Casein micelles Milk Casein Native Micellar Casein Casein Micelles
3 forms
Oral

About Micellar Casein

Micellar casein is a dairy-derived protein fraction consisting of native casein micelles—spherical colloidal aggregates of casein proteins (alpha-, beta-, and kappa-casein) stabilized by calcium phosphate. It is isolated from milk via gentle microfiltration without chemical alteration or acid precipitation, preserving its natural micellar structure. This structure results in a slow, sustained release of amino acids during digestion, making it a popular protein source for prolonged muscle protein synthesis support, especially before fasting periods like sleep. It is distinct from whey protein and other caseinates in its digestion kinetics and functional properties.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) as a milk protein concentrate.

Compare All Forms

3 forms

Compare supplement forms of Micellar Casein by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Micellar Casein

Slow-digesting, sustained-release protein; ideal for nightti...

  • CAS: 9000-71-9
  • Label category: Natural (Milk)
 — — — View →
Micellar Casein Isolate

Slow-release protein; often used before sleep or between mea...

  • CAS: 9000-71-9
  • Label category: natural
 — — — View →
Milk Protein Concentrate (Micellar)

Slow-digesting protein ideal for sustained amino acid releas...

  • CAS: 9000-71-9
  • Label category: natural
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Casein micellar isolate, MCC, Micellar casein, Milk casein micelles, Milk Protein Isolate (Micellar), Milk protein micellar isolate, Slow-release casein, Undenatured casein

Type: Amino Acids & Proteins

Category for Amino Acids & Proteins ingredients

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • May reduce absorption of some medications (e.g., levodopa, certain antibiotics) if taken simultaneously due to protein binding and slowed gastric emptying.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Micellar Casein forms:

Muscle Retention Sustained Muscle Protein Synthesis Increased Satiety & Weight Management Support Anti-Catabolic Effect Dental Health Support (Topical) Satiety and Weight Management

And 3 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Micellar Casein forms:

Bloating How serious: Mild Allergic Reaction How serious: Moderate Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low Constipation How serious: Mild

What does the research say?

Micellar casein is extensively studied for its unique digestion kinetics. Research shows it forms a gel or clot in the stomach, leading to a slow, prolonged release of amino acids into the bloodstream over 5-7 hours. This contrasts sharply with whey protein's rapid digestion. Studies indicate this sustained aminoacidemia promotes prolonged muscle protein synthesis, reduces muscle protein breakdown, and enhances satiety. It is considered the gold standard for a slow-digesting protein source in nutritional science.