The majority of people who exercise regularly are more than aware of the importance of the post workout nutrition. By consuming post workout protein, you can build your muscles and improve your overall performance. Furthermore, this is a great way to maintain a positive nitrogen balance inside the body. The importance of whey protein in this process are well documented, and it is generally accepted that whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) are absorbed quickly by the body. WPH is therefore considered to be one of the most effective forms of protein that you can consume post-workout. The recent introduction of casein hydrolysate, however, seems to be cold stir among those in the know.
The hydrolysate can literally be translated "product of hydrolysis". Hydrolysis can be best described as a chemical process that causes one substance to be broken down into smaller units. A protein hydrolysates are therefore a mixture of amino acids that are prepared usually by breaking down a protein with acid, alkali or enzyme. The reason why an original protein is broken down, making it easily digestible and therefore easier for the body to absorb.
Grow muscle it has to be a positive nitrogen balance (protein). However, we are aware that the basic protein are not sufficient on their own. Scientific research has shown that a high plasma amino acid itself is inadequate to actually promote protein synthesis. It also tells us that we need a fair level of amino acids as metabolic process requires the most. This is, of course, post workout, and it's important to keep both levels of amino acids and high plasma insulin. In theory, a protein that the body is able to absorb more quickly to be the most effective form of amino acid after a workout.
Scientific study in 2009 showed that ingestion of a protein hydrolysate is much more likely to accelerate protein digestion and absorption in the gut, then a normal protein. In fact, one can increase the proportion of dietary amino acids Hydrolysate as part of skeletal muscle protein. During this study was the main form of the Hydrolysate of casein hydrolysates used. It was proven that this form of protein managed to increase levels of insulin, which in turn will increase the rate of protein synthesis. Furthermore, this is a fantastic way to put carbs in muscles. So it seems that casein hydrolysate is an easily digestible and absorbed protein, it is also able to increase the insulin and therefore will increase the rate of protein synthesis.
Many people strongly believe that the casein hydrolysate is far more effective than whey protein hydrolysates. The reason for this is that some glucogenic amino acids are, meaning that during the metabolic process, they will be converted into glucose. This will actually explain why certain amino acids are related to insulin response above. Whey protein is known to be lower in some amino acids such as arginine, glutamine and phenylalanine. These are three of the major glucogenic amino acids. Casein is known to have a high content of these amino acids and threonine, which would suggest that the casein hydrolysates to be much more effective than whey.
Unfortunately, there is no relevant studies to back up this theory. There are also some data that compare the digestion of casein hydrolysates and WPH. Therefore we can only assume that casein hydrolysates holds an advantage over WPH. Casein protein that has not changed is perfect to drink as a night shake. This is due to the fact that it is very slow is melted and absorbed in the body. The molecules of casein protein is known to sit in my stomach together over a long period of time, thereby slowing the rate of gastric emptying.
Casein hydrolysates derived mainly from casein protein's found in a cow's milk. You will find that a normal good-casein hydrolysates will contain about 85% protein. Casein enzymatic hydrolysis, and then usually undergo solution will be treated by heat. After this solution will be concentrated and spray dried. This all sounds scientifically possible, but will use casein hydrolysates make any difference to your post workout nutrition? The main advantage of casein hydrolysate is that it allows you to make the most of your post workout nutrition as it also contains carbohydrates. This will directly increase your insulin into the blood which, as mentioned, can make a big difference for you after your workout. Many people consider casein hydrolysates be best of all post workout protein. Many of us, however, is careful to spend large sums of money on supplements that may turn out to be worthless. With that said, there is plenty of evidence to prove that the casein hydrolysate is useful and therefore it may do no harm as part of your post workout nutrition.