Undenatured whey protein: what it really means (vs. denatured)

Description

If you have ever wondered what undenatured protein is, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will compare denatured protein to undenatured protein, define the difference and help you decide which is better for your needs.

What does Undenatured Whey Protein mean?
Undenatured whey proteins are pure, properly functioning proteins without structural deformation, with all bioavailable nutrients and constituents. 

To fully and correctly answer this question of what undenatured whey protein is and what it means, it is vital to understand denatured protein. 

With that, let’s now answer exactly what undenatured protein means and understand what denatured protein is.

Undenatured Whey Protein vs. Denatured Protein

Denatured protein is the alteration in the folding pattern of a protein by heat or chemical reaction from its original formation. 

But undenatured protein is not necessarily better than denatured protein. 

It’s different.

Let me explain.

Protein function depends on its structural shape, and heat causes proteins to vibrate, weakening the bonds that hold their complex shape. 

When a protein has become denatured, it is no longer considered functional in the same elaborate manner.

In simple terms, undenatured proteins are pure, properly functioning proteins without any structural deformation, intact with all bioavailable nutrients and constituents. 

We must note that we don’t use the term “unprocessed” to define an undenatured protein because everything goes through some processing to create an end product. 

For example, whey protein isolate undergoes a precise filtration process that removes the lactose and produces an end product yielding a higher amount of protein per serving with less fat and carbohydrates. 

Because no chemicals and heat were used in this process, the protein bonds were not weakened, so whey protein isolate is still considered an undenatured protein.

In a publication by the National Cancer Institute regarding the potential anti-cachexia (muscle wasting) and glutathione-enhancing properties of cysteine-rich, undenatured whey protein isolate, the researchers said, 

Whey protein isolate (an undenatured whey protein) supports antioxidant production, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. The amino acid structure also supports increased strength and lean muscle mass.” (1)

Is Undenatured Protein Good For You?

When you look at an undenatured protein from a birds-eye view, it is easy to say that any undenatured protein will be better for you than one that is denatured. 

Z Natural Foods believes there is more to this question than meets the eye and depends on many other factors. 

• Yes, undenatured protein is the purest form containing all bioactive compounds as nature intended. 
• Undenatured whey protein has many components like beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulin, and lactoferrin. 
• This is generally a much better choice for all intended purposes.

On the other hand, a protein that has become denatured through cooking with heat or some different process is okay because we eat denatured protein all the time. 

For example, a hard-boiled egg is regarded as a form of denatured protein. 

The heat used to make a hard-boiled egg changed its structural integrity, but it still has excellent nutritional value and all the amino acids to create a complete protein. 

Another example is when we cook meat on the grill or microwave our food. 

These are both high-heat cooking processes that change the protein's structural integrity. Yet, it does not change the values of being a complete protein. 

Athletes all over the globe who prepare their meals ahead of time will use microwaves to reheat their food. Do they look like they need to be more nourished or lack quality protein? 

In a study looking at the benefits of high cysteine undenatured whey protein on patients with peptic ulcers (levels 2 through 4), it was shown that:

“Improving peptic ulcer healing was achieved by providing the necessary amino acids to rebuild tissues and bioactive cysteine (cysteine) to promote the synthesis of intracellular GSH and positive nitrogen balance.” (2)

What happens when whey protein is denatured?

When whey protein becomes denatured, it loses nutrients and compounds that make undenatured whey a fantastic food but understand that it is much more than just protein. 

Undenatured whey is highly nourishing and provides the body with essential compounds to support and restore good health. 

Proteins are complex three-dimensional structures built out of amino acids. 

The primary cause of why whey protein becomes denatured is exposure to heat or chemicals that create an unstable protein structure through a process known as unfolding. 

It is important to note there are various degrees of this process and your body naturally unfolds protein through digestion. 

As discussed in the questions above, denatured protein is not exactly useless. 

Some products are purposely denatured to create a faster absorbing form of protein, like the partially denatured whey hydrolysates. 

When should I take my whey protein?

There are various theories on this topic. The answer to this question is quite convoluted and depends on at least two main factors: 

1. The form of whey or other milk-based protein powder being used: whey concentrate, isolate, hydrolysates, casein. 
2. Your intended goal: muscle gain, weight loss, blood sugar control, and supporting a healthy immune system.

Whey protein isolate is your choice if you want to help with muscle recovery post-workout because it is an isolated form of protein that yields a higher amount of protein, allowing for faster absorption. 

While there are mixed opinions about exactly how quickly you should ingest whey post-workout, consuming it within one hour would be optimal. In many cases, adding a carbohydrate source to your shake to replenish glycogen is also advisable. 

On the other hand, if you are creating an intra-workout drink, then using a high molecular weight carbohydrate like highly branched cyclic dextrin with a hydrolyzed whey protein will provide the glycogen and amino acids needed for recovery.  

To support recovery when you sleep, drinking a whey concentrate or casein protein is a good choice as these will act slower (more time-released) to provide the body with essential nourishment throughout the night. 

Because you are getting so many essential nutrients and compounds, high-quality protein, and a good source of fat, whey protein concentrate is ideal for supporting a healthy immune system and recovery.  

References

1. (n.d.) National Cancer Institute.  Cysteine-Rich Non-denatured whey protein isolate IMN 1207 Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/cysteine-rich-non-denatured-whey-protein-isolate-imn1207
2. Gutman, J. (2019) Cysteine/cystine-rich undenatured whey protein supplement in patients' pressure ulcer outcomes open-label label study. Available at: https://journals.ekb.eg/article_174659.html (Accessed: November 23, 2022).