Casein is also a derivative of milk production and possesses some unique biological properties that affect human protein metabolism as well. Casein is an easily digested protein that supplies the body with essential amino acids, along with various minerals and bioactive peptides. Caseinates are salts of casein (calcium caseinate or sodium caseinate) and are made by dissolving acid casein in a suitable hydroxide, then drying it to make a water-soluble product. Many protein supplements use caseinates because of the high quality of protein. Caseinates have a PDCAAS of 1.0, giving it a very high standard for protein quality. Caseinates are also low in fat and cholesterol and may contain varied amounts of sodium and/or calcium based on the form used.

A recent study that looked at the absorption and plasma amino acid content of whey and casein showed that casein induced a prolonged elevation of plasma amino acids, probably because of slower gastric emptying, whereas whey protein induced a faster, but shorter increase of plasma amino acids. Casein was also noted to inhibit whole-body protein breakdown yet whey had no effect on protein catabolism. However, whey protein increased protein synthesis at twice the rate of casein. Thus, it appears that the benefits of both whey and casein may be applicable to athletes during the recovery phase. Both are of high quality and render all of the essential amino acids in adequate and identifiable proportions for the body. Caseinates are easily digested, as are whey proteins. Both increase plasma amino acid concentrations to a varying degree, eliciting different hormonal and metabolic responses.


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