Whey Protein Monograph

Introduction In recent years, milk constituents have become recognized as functional foods, suggesting their use has a direct and measurable effect on health outcomes.1 Whey, a by-product of cheese and curd manufacturing, was once considered a waste product. The recognition of whey as a functional food with nutritional applications has elevated whey to a co-product in the manufacturing of cheese.2 The two primary sources of protein in milk are the caseins and whey. After processing occurs, the caseins are the proteins responsible for making curds, while whey remains in an aqueous environment. The components of whey include beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, lactoperoxidase enzymes, glycomacropeptides, lactose, and minerals.2 Today, whey is a popular dietary protein supplement purported to provide antimicrobial activity, immune modulation, improved muscle strength and body composition, and prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.