Whey vs. Casein

I've never tried Casein mate, but like you said people usually take it of a night before bed. I've heard some people swear by it and others say that just normal Whey is more than adequate. I think Casein slowly absorbs over six hours keeping your protein levels maintained to prevent going catabolic. Whey is much faster absorbing so mre useful around exercise periods (although timing does not really matter). Other people will have a better idea than me though, but I'll just stick to the Whey.

Whey and casein are both milk proteins, separated out usually using membrane technology. Whey provokes a higher insulin response and casein is slower leaving the stomach (which may be two ways of saying the same thing).

I7IES3L wrote: »

Casein is slow digesting best taken before bed. Whey fast digesting thus meant to be taken after a workout. You cannot really compare the two as they are for completely different circumstances. It's like comparing what vehicle to buy, the corvette to race (i.e whey protein)or the civic for great mileage going to work. ( i.e casein) two great but vastly different protein sources.

^ This is the 1980 definition of the difference between the two.

The modern definition is that casein is thicker, creamier, better utilized in baking, and slow-absorbing, but not to the extent that you need to take it before bedtime. Your muscles will not go catabolic overnight. Timing it doesn't matter.

Whey is thinner, grainier, can be bought in isolate form for lactose intolerants, and is fast digesting. You don't need to take it immediately post-workout. You are actually digesting all of the protein regardless of the time of day you take it (unless it is spiked with amino acids to artificially boost protein content). Aminos are easy to recognize because they will end in -ine on the ingredient label).

My recommendation would be to correct your diet to get all of your protein from whole foods. If you want to use a protein powder out of convenience, then get a blend. Blends are superior to plain casein and plain whey in a variety of ways.

And no to your analogy. Completely no to that, lol.

sixxpoint wrote: »

The modern definition is that casein is thicker, creamier, better utilized in baking, and slow-absorbing, but not to the extent that you need to take it before bedtime to prevent muscle atrophy. Your muscles will not go catabolic overnight.

Whey is thinner, grainier, can be bought in isolate form for lactose intolerants, and fast digesting, but you are actually digesting all of the protein regardless of the time of day you take it (unless it is spiked with amino acids to artificially boost protein content). Aminos are easy to recognize because they will end in -ine on the ingredient label).

(Bolded a couple words.) I've always thought that whey protein seems creamier. Casein seems a little chalky. Maybe it's just the brand I bought. Judging only by texture, I like whey protein better. I realize that casein has its uses though—I just don't like it as much.

yellowantphil wrote: »

sixxpoint wrote: »

The modern definition is that casein is thicker, creamier, better utilized in baking, and slow-absorbing, but not to the extent that you need to take it before bedtime to prevent muscle atrophy. Your muscles will not go catabolic overnight.

Whey is thinner, grainier, can be bought in isolate form for lactose intolerants, and fast digesting, but you are actually digesting all of the protein regardless of the time of day you take it (unless it is spiked with amino acids to artificially boost protein content). Aminos are easy to recognize because they will end in -ine on the ingredient label).

(Bolded a couple words.) I've always thought that whey protein seems creamier. Casein seems a little chalky. Maybe it's just the brand I bought. Judging only by texture, I like whey protein better. I realize that casein has its uses though—I just don't like it as much.

I'm not talking about the texture of the product right out of the tub, in it's dry form.

When blended, whey, like Cellucor or ON makes a thinner shake. You can sense the gritty granules on your tongue. The texture of whey shakes is quite unpleasant for me, that's why I buy blends that include both whey and casein. Blends are the best of both worlds. Pure casein by itself is very thick and creamy. Gastrointestinal distress is usually greater, but the taste is phenomenal.