About Whey

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) is a milk-derived protein fraction obtained by removing non-protein components from liquid whey, a byproduct of cheese production. It contains a moderate protein content (typically 35-80%), along with lactose, milk fat, minerals, and bioactive compounds like immunoglobulins and lactoferrin. WPC is less processed than whey protein isolate, retaining more of the native whey components. It is widely used in dietary supplements, sports nutrition products, meal replacements, and functional foods due to its high biological value, rapid digestion, and rich essential amino acid profile, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine.

Official resources

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

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
640

Compare All Forms

11 forms

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

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate

Rapidly absorbed protein source; supports muscle recovery an...

  • Label category: natural
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Instantized Whey Protein Concentrate

Fast-mixing, high-quality complete protein from milk. Suppor...

  • Label category: natural
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Native Whey Protein Isolate

High-quality protein source for muscle support, recovery, an...

  • Label category: natural
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Whey β€” β€” β€” View β†’
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Whey Protein Concentrate

Common in protein powders, bars, shakes; supports muscle rec...

  • CAS: 92117-23-0 (general for whey protein); specific concentrates may vary.
  • Label category: Natural (Milk)
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Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)

Derived from milk; supports muscle recovery, protein intake,...

  • CAS: 92117-23-0
  • Label category: natural
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Whey Protein Concentrate 34%

Complete protein source from milk; supports muscle recovery...

  • Label category: natural
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Whey Protein Concentrate 80%

Complete protein source; supports muscle building & recovery

  • CAS: None for the concentrate form; individual whey proteins have specific CAS numbers.
  • Label category: natural
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Whey Protein Isolate β€” β€” β€” View β†’
Whey protin
  • DSLD group id: 9644
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Also appears on labels as

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

actinos2ir whey peptide fraction, actinosΒ²(r) whey peptide fraction, Agglomerated Whey Protein Concentrate, Bovine Whey Protein Concentrate, Easy-Mix Whey Protein, Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate, Instant Whey Protein, Lactalbumin Concentrate, Milk-Derived Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Concentrate (whey fraction), Milk Protein Derivative, Milk Serum Protein Concentrate, Milk Serum Protein Isolate, Milk Whey Protein Concentrate, Native WPI, whey, whey, solids, whey isolate protein, whey protein isolate and amino acid, WPC 34

Type: Other

Miscellaneous ingredients including fillers, binders, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and other additives found in supplements.

Absorption: Many of these ingredients are inert fillers or additives that may affect absorption of active ingredients.

Interactions: Some additives may have health concerns. Fillers may reduce absorption of other nutrients. Preservatives and artificial colors may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Whey forms:

And 13 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Whey forms:

And 3 more side effects...