We use functional cookies to ensure a properly functioning website. If you click on 'Accept' below, we also use analytical cookies (see our privacy page). If you do not want analytical cookies, click on 'Reject'.
Whey hydrolysate absorbs even faster than whey isolate and whey concentrate. Therefore, it provides even faster support for maintaining or increasing muscle mass after training. A good whey hydrolysate requires hardly any energy to digest. After an exhaustive workout, top athletes often choose a strongly hydrolyzed protein and are very positive about its effects.
Whey hydrolysate supplements are available in various levels of hydrolysis (DH value). Most whey protein hydrolysates in Europe have a DH value of only 4%! We don't really consider this as a hydrolysate because in function it is almost identical to regular non-hydrolyzed protein. For whey protein, the optimal degree of hydrolysis is around a DH value of 25 to 30.
Optimal hydrolysis comes down to the following:
Intact proteins (right column in the chart) should be converted into peptides as much as possible (middle three columns).
The share of directly absorbable di- and tripeptides should be as high as possible.
Nevertheless, the share of free amino acids (left column) should remain relatively low.
More explanation later in the text.
1. Rapid Absorption
A protein hydrolysate is a protein that has been processed with enzymes. The enzymes have converted the protein into short chains of amino acids, known as peptides. The hydrolysis process is similar to what happens during normal digestion with the proteins in our diet. Due to the enzymatic processing, a protein hydrolysate is absorbed more easily and quickly than an intact protein. In a situation of intensive sports performance, rapid absorption can be very advantageous. Muscle recovery can start very quickly, while the body needs less energy for digestion.
2. Increased Insulin Release
After the intake of carbohydrates (e.g., fruit juice or bread), the body releases insulin to absorb this food. When carbohydrates are combined with protein, this release is even stronger. However, rapidly digestible carbohydrates combined with a protein hydrolysate cause the highest release of insulin.
An even further increase in insulin release can be achieved by using creatine and L-leucine / BCAAs along with carbohydrates and whey hydrolysate. The increased insulin release enhances the absorption of carbohydrates, amino acids, and creatine in the muscle cells. At the same time, under the influence of insulin, the process of protein synthesis in the muscle cells is maximally stimulated.
Individuals with overweight often have reduced insulin sensitivity in their muscles and should be cautious with the 'insulin-boosting' strategy. They are more likely to build up fat tissue with elevated insulin levels.
We estimate that healthy individuals with a body fat percentage of 15% or lower can apply the hydrolysate-carbohydrate-creatine combination effectively after a workout. For people with a body fat percentage higher than 15%, it is probably better to use only the protein hydrolysate or add a small amount of carbohydrates.
3. Energy Savings Due to Easy Digestibility
The absorption of a hydrolyzed protein costs the body much less energy because the protein does not need to be digested or needs less digestion. Such energy savings are positive during physical recovery after intensive physical exertion. More energy remains available for recovery, potential muscle growth, and other training adaptations.
4. Energy Savings Due to Limited Immune Response
Food digestion also consumes a lot of energy because the immune system reacts to proteins. Proteins are seen by the body as unwanted foreign substances trying to enter the body. However, a highly hydrolyzed protein is hardly or not seen as foreign anymore. The immune system does not respond with a defense reaction to the di- and tripeptides.
A less strong immune response means, again, energy savings, a reduced release of the muscle-degrading hormone cortisol, and the possibility of faster recovery after exertion.
The above applies even more to people who do not tolerate casein and whey proteins well. In their case, the immune response against intact proteins is stronger than normal. The body will experience stress and release relatively high levels of cortisol. With a protein hydrolysate, these individuals have much less or no problems compared to the issues they experience with intact casein and whey proteins.
5. Complete Absorption
Finally, individuals with suboptimal digestion can benefit from the fact that a protein hydrolysate is 'pre-digested.' In case of incomplete protein digestion, a part of these proteins remains in the intestines. This means that less protein / amino acids are available for the body. On the other hand, it means that bacteria in the intestines have more proteins at their disposal. This eventually leads to intestinal problems.
Do you want to support muscle recovery or growth with extra protein? But do you have difficulty digesting protein supplements or additional protein from your diet? Then, protein hydrolysate is worth trying for you.
The human digestive system breaks down proteins into very short chains of two and three amino acids. These di- and tripeptides are absorbed into the cells of the intestinal wall and are then converted into individual amino acids. An ideal hydrolysate that needs to be absorbed as quickly as possible consists only of di- and tripeptides. In practice, producing a supplement with only di- and tripeptides is challenging. Before all longer chains are shortened to a length of a maximum of 2 or 3 amino acids, a significant portion has already been split into individual amino acids. While individual amino acids are also absorbed quickly, the transport from the intestines to the cells of the intestinal wall is slightly more difficult. With an excessive intake of free amino acids at once, the absorption is not complete and can lead to flatulence or diarrhea.
High Proportion of Dipeptides and Tripeptides
Whey Protein Hydrolysate DH30 has a very high degree of hydrolysis (DH), resulting in a high proportion of di- and tripeptides, around 50%. The proportion of free amino acids is low, ensuring that the absorption capacity of the intestines is not exceeded. The majority of the remaining peptide chains are between 4 and 15 amino acids. After minimal digestion, these peptides can also be absorbed. Less than 10% of the peptide chains consist of more than 15 amino acids.
Most protein hydrolysates in sports supplements have a hydrolysis degree ranging from DH4 to DH12. These hydrolysates are absorbed much more slowly and are more likely to cause allergic reactions. Additionally, the stimulating effect on insulin release is partly lost.
| Per 100 g | Per 20 g | |
| Energy | 1712 kJ / 406 kcal | 342.4 kJ / 81.2 kcal |
| Protein | 79.6 g | 15.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.3 g | 1.1 g |
| - of which sugars | 4.4 g | 0.9 g |
| - of which lactose | 3.0 g | 0.6 g |
| Fat | 7.7 g | 1.5 g |
| - of which Saturated | 5.7 g | 1.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g | 0.0 g |
| Salt | 0.5 g | 0.1 g |
| * Depending on flavour, composition may vary slighlty | ||
| Per 20 g | % RDA | |
| Potassium | 579.0 mg | 16.5% |
| Phosphorus | 145.0 mg | 11.6% |
| Calcium | 106.0 mg | 11.2% |
| Magnesium | 12.0 mg | 3.3 |
| Chloride | 9.0 mg | - |
There are many different types of proteins. Not all protein types are equally suitable for muscle building. The well-known collagen (hydrolysate) contains an amino acid composition that is useful for building connective tissues but is unsuitable for building contractile proteins in muscle cells.
The most complete proteins for muscle building are whey protein, casein, and chicken egg white protein.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate DH30 is made from whey protein. This is the protein with the highest content of essential and branched-chain amino acids (EAA and BCAA). For muscle building, this is the optimal choice.
Through careful hydrolysis, this protein supplement is very well digestible by almost everyone and in the most diverse conditions.
Optipepฎ brand
1000 grams of Whey Protein Hydrolysate (powder). Protein percentage: 77% (Natural: 80%).
- Natural
Hydrolyzed whey protein powder (contains, milk, lactose).
- Tropical fruits
Hydrolyzed whey protein powder (contains, milk, lactose), flavor, acidity regulator citric acid, sweetener sucralose.
Mix 1 scoop of 50 ml (approximately 20 grams) Whey Protein Hydrolysate DH30 with 300 to 400 ml of water, milk, or fruit juice. When using a shaker: 2 firm shaking motions are sufficient.
Instructions for Use
For a synergistic effect during or after (strength) training, Whey Protein Hydrolysate DH30 can be supplemented with BCAAs, creatine, and rapidly absorbable sugars such as from fruit juice. Electrolytes do not need to be added, as they are already present in the hydrolysate.
Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Do not use this potassium-containing supplement without consulting a doctor or pharmacist in the following cases: If you suffer from renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or high blood pressure. If you are taking medications of the NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, or angiotensin II antagonist types.
