There has been a lot of talk lately about the great benefits of casein. How does calcium caseinate compare to casein? Are they both one in the same? I have also heard talk about micellular casein. Is this a better form of casein? Could you guys please help me with this confusing casein terminology?
Good question!! Can anyone help??
To the best of my knowledge, micellar casein is by far the best form as it is undenatured and retains all the health benefits that casein has. Conversely, caseinate/calcium caseinate is a cheaper inferior form and retains little or none of the health benefits that the undenatured micellar casein does. The micell is basically what causes casein to be suspended in milk, creating the opaque appearance that it has. Most products use the cheap caseins; the only ones I know that use the micellar casein are Dorian Yate’s Chemical products, MET-Rx proteins nad also GROWTH FACTOR fromn GEN Nutrition. Hope this helps somewhat.
ScottW: thanks for the info on micellar casein. I find this
interesting because I’ve tried tons of protein products,
and most of them, especially the pure whey prods, cause me
a lot of gastrointestinal stress. The only products I’ve
found that sit well with me are Dorian Yates protein
products, Metrx protein products, and WorldWide sports
nutrition’s pre-mixed (liquid, protein only) shakes that
come in a can. All of these use primarily a combination of
milk protein isolate, and casein. I am wondering if the
better digestability of these prods is due to micellar
casein. Can you tell me any more about any specific
benefits or actions of micellar casein? Thanks.
How’s your lactose tolerance? Whey Concentrate usually has a high percentage of lactose (while isolates and milk protein isolate should have very little). Whey concentrate’s a pretty cheap form of whey. I had the same problems as you until I learned the difference. I find I have no GI problems with whey as long as it’s not concentrate.