Here is an interesting tidbit found online.
It supports the idea that Whey concentrate really is superior ro Isolate.
“Growth factors are contained within the fat globule membrane in whey. They can also be found in colostrum, the pre-milk breast fluid produced in the first 48 hours after giving birth. Because whey concentrates are higher in fat than whey isolates, growth factors are usually found at higher levels in concentrates. This means that although they have a lower protein percentage, they may have a greater ability to promote growth”
“Without a doubt, the most well known of all the growth factors is IGF-1 or Insulin-like Growth Factor 1. This is the powerful anabolic hormone taken by many athletes to increase lean muscle tissue. It is also the main reason for athletes taking growth hormone, as this results in higher levels of IGF-1. An anabolic state is the main desire of most bodybuilders and this is the domain of IGF-1. Increased cell division and increased protein synthesis, stimulation of wound healing, production of immune cells, reduction of insulin demand and increased burning of fat, these are the functions of this hormone. Also anti-catabolic, as demonstrated in several pathological states, IGF-1 is the most anabolic of all the growth factors present in whey”
"In summary, independent medical studies have determined that the growth factors present in whey and colostrums have the following functions:
1.Regenerate and accelerate normal growth of aged or injured muscle, bone, cartilage, skin collagen and nerve tissue.
2.Build and retain lean muscle.
3.Burn fat for fuel instead of muscle tissue whilst restricting calories.
4.Regulate blood sugar.
5.Repair DNA and RNA.
6.Heal wounds.
7.Fight infection.
8.Help regulate brain chemicals such as serotonin, thereby providing alertness, better focus and positive attitude"
Is getting Whey Concentrate really the BETTER choice even though it contains more lactose?
if you’re concerned about the colustrum/IGF-1 and the higher lactose levels in whey concentrate, why not go with the isolate, and then supplement in some colustrum if it’s so beneficial?
Concentrate has the higher concentration of IGF-1 due to its fat content, not Isolate.
Yeah, I know. If you want the IGF-1 benefit of concentrate, but don’t want the increased lactose, why not get isolate or another protein and supplement colustrum to help the IGF-1 (if in fact that works at all).
The truth of the matter is that even if IGF-1 is raised from the concentrate over the isolate, it’s probably not that big of a difference.