Not All Proteins Are Created Equal

Whey was discovered approximately 5000 years ago and has had a long and fascinating history. Hippocrates, the so-called "father of medicine," first wrote about whey's medicinal properties around 460 BC and prescribed it to patients for gastrointestinal and skin conditions (1). Between the 17th and 19th centuries, "whey houses," akin to today's juice bars, started to appear throughout Europe, serving liquid whey and promoting its health benefits. Most of us are familiar with the old English proverb, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Two lesser-known Italian proverbs from the 17th century highlight the importance of whey in that culture; "if everyone were raised on whey, doctors would be bankrupt" and "if you want to live a healthy and active life, drink whey."

The rich history surrounding whey is impressive, but the research is even more so. As of today (Feb 2021), you'll find almost 1000 published studies looking at the benefits of whey protein in general and 160 of those looking at immunity in specific (2). Although protein in general is essential for healthy immune function, in the world of proteins, whey has some exciting properties. Whey not only provides a highly bioavail- able source of protein, but it is also unique in that it contains specific compounds, known as bioactive peptides, that have remarkable immune modulating (balancing) and antimicrobial properties (3). These naturally occurring immune-supportive peptides are glycomacropetide, immu- noglobulins, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase. It's important to recognize that not all whey proteins contain these valuable peptides. How the whey has been handled and turned into a whey protein powder will determine whether these compounds are present or not.

Some methods of filtration preserve these naturally occurring peptides and other methods do not. Of the various filtration methods, whey protein concentrates provide the richest source of these peptides, and in turn, the greatest immune and antimicrobial support. Whey protein isolates that are made using a process called cross-flow microfiltration provide some of these peptides, albeit less than a whey concentrate. Ion exchange is another method used to make whey protein isolate and it is void of these peptides altogether. Whey isolates have their place and offer some unique benefits; very low in fat/carbs/lactose/cholesterol and rapidly absorbed. Consider using a protein blend that's primarily whey concentrate with some cross-flow microfiltered whey isolate for the best of both worlds.

Although whey alone can support immunity, adding some additional immune-supportive compounds should make it all the more effective! From this idea was born, Boosted Immuno Whey+. This product not only provides a grass-fed whey protein blend that's rich in these immune-supportive peptides, but it's also fortified with immune supportive and antimicrobial nutrients: