Casein Protein – what is casein?

Wednesday, 22 September 2010 17:51 Last Updated on Monday, 29 November 2010 22:16 Written by admin 0 Comments

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Casein protein is a protein supplement that has been growing rapidly in popularity. Most athletes and bodybuilders will recognize two major type of protein: Casein Protein and Whey protein. There are obvious benefits for supplementing both proteins together and there are also differences in the specific timing that you should supplement each type of protein.

What is Casein Protein?

Casein is dairy protein that makes up nearly 80% of all the protein found in cow’s milk. The amino acid pool is extremely rich and similar to whey protein, which is made from cheese. Casein protein forms a clot after being ingested which will slow down the process of gastric emptying, meaning the casein will take much longer to digest in the stomach.

This brings us to the topic of when to use Casein protein and why it would be effective to use casein at any particular time. Since casein’s absorption rate is so slow, it is logical to take the supplement before you sleep or for when you are going to be spending a long time without the availability of fast acting protein. When you’re sleeping, you aren’t eating, and it is important for your body to have the availability of protein while you’re sleeping to increase recovery. It is easy to understand why this is important to a bodybuilder or any fitness athlete. Avoid taking this supplement when trying to accelerate amino acid consumption.

What about whey protein?

Just as a reminder, you should not be replacing your entire protein intake with a few glasses of casein. Your pre and post workout protein supplements should come from Whey protein, because whey protein is designed to be used oppositional to casein. Right after you complete a workout, protein synthesis is at it’s highest and having a fast acting protein such as whey is utilized better than any other protein source.

There are various casein supplements available, however the most popular and effective appears to be micellar casein. Choosing the right brand of casein, as well as all other bodybuilding and fitness supplements in general, is completely up to you. Research the products ingredients, test the taste if you have the privilege of doing so at a fitness expo or bodybuilding convention, and make a decision.