Beef Protein vs. Traditional Whey: Pros and Cons

Protein supplementation is one of the most popular ways to support regeneration, muscle mass building, and weight reduction. There are a lot of different kinds of proteins, but two usually emerge as first choices. Beef or whey protein – that’s the question a lot of physically active people are asking. Which one is better and why?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese production. It’s extracted from cow’s milk and undergoes microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes to extract fats and carbohydrates (mostly lactose). Depending on the filtration precision, manufacturers differentiate three types of whey protein:

• whey concentrate – the most basic kind of whey protein, usually contains between 70 and 80% of pure protein, a budget option,
• whey isolate – protein percentage is higher than in isolate (even 90%), and digestion time is quicker,
• whey hydrolysate – highly advanced and maximally pure type of whey protein with extra-fast digestion time, the most expensive choice, but without match in quality.

What Are the Benefits of Whey Protein?

The most important benefits of whey protein powder are its rich amino acid profile and fast absorption rate. A lot of physically active people choose this kind of protein supplementation also for its affordability. It’s often cheaper than beef protein and highly-advanced plant-based protein.

Does Whey Protein Have Complete Amino Acid Profile?

The benefits of whey protein come from the complete amino acid profile. Amino acids are small blocks that build your solid tissue (i.a. muscles). This kind of protein powder delivers a solid portion of branch-chained amino acids (BCAA), which are leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are among the essential amino acids since the human body cannot synthesise BCAA internally.

Branched-chained amino acids are especially important for muscle building. They support muscle protein synthesis processes and slow down muscle tissue degradation. BCAA can also be used as a subsidiary energy source during workout or in a fastened state.

When drunk between meals or immediately after a workout with carbohydrates, whey protein can greatly improve the regeneration rate. However, it cannot replace a well-balanced diet or sleep.

What Is the Absorption Rate of Whey Protein?

The typical absorption rate of whey protein is usually between 1 and 2 hours, which makes it ideal for post-workout support. A short absorption rate basically means that muscle tissue is literally flooded by amino acids in a short period of time. They don’t drip slowly, as in the case of micellar casein, which, on the other hand, is a great choice for nights.

What Are the Cons of Whey Protein?

Whey protein is great, but not an ideal choice for everyone. While made of milk substrate, it contains lactose and may cause digestive discomfort for some. Lactose intolerance becomes more and more popular and can evolve with age. Even if you could drink milk as a part of your daily routine five or ten years ago, now even a small amount of whey protein can make you feel bad. Typical whey protein side effects are digestive issues: bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhoea, as well as skin problems (acne) or headache.

Sometimes an effective way to avoid side effects is to heat up protein powder a little, for example as a part of dessert, but it won’t always work on everyone.

When Is Whey Protein Bad For You?

Whey protein is usually not recommended for people who suffer from different kinds of illnesses connected with milk intolerance:

• allergy or intolerance for lactose,
• some autoimmunological diseases (i.e. Hashimoto, rheumatoid arthritis),
• irritable bowel syndrome.

Also, vegans and vegetarians resign from milk-based products due to ethical reasons.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Beef Protein?

Beef protein is made of natural sources such as meat, bones and connective tissue. Then they are filtered, defatted and dehydrated to obtain fine powder. More expensive beef protein particles are often broken down during hydrolysis processes (beef protein hydrolysate). A little cheaper will be beef protein isolate.

What Are the Pros of Beef Protein?

Beef protein isolate benefits are threefold. It’s not only rich in all types of amino acids, but also provides collagen and is more friendly to the digestive tract.

First of all, beef protein is rich in leucine, isoleucine and valine, but also, generally speaking, it’s full of protein. Typical beef protein powder contains over 90% of pure macronutrient. Higher concentration of protein is helpful when it comes to effective regeneration after heavy muscle strain. Some of the beef-protein products are hydrolysed for a faster absorption rate. Beef protein contains a little less leucine than whey protein, which may hinder muscle protein synthesis.

Interestingly, beef protein provides a diet with amino acids connected with collagen synthesis. It’s a type of protein occurring in practically all kinds of connective tissue – skin, muscles, and bones. As we age, natural capabilities of collagen synthesis become less effective. To support it effectively, it becomes more important to eat products full of proline and glycine.

Is Beef Protein Good for People with Lactose Intolerance?

While beef protein supplementation is made of animal-based raw material, it doesn’t contain milk substrate. It makes it ideal for people who cannot or don’t want to consume dairy.

If you have troubles with bowels, but beef protein seems to be too expensive, consider lactose-free whey products. It’s basically normal whey protein but with lactose removed completely.

What Are the Cons of Beef Protein?

Beef protein is often deemed to be the epitome of artificial supplement quality, but it’s not so simple, as it seems. Animal-based powder has a lower level of leucine, which makes it a not-so-obvious choice for bodybuilders.

Leucine is a primary nutrition signal that triggers muscle protein synthesis. By activating the mTOR1 pathway, leucine strongly boosts muscle tissue regeneration and growth. Whey protein has leucine in much greater abundance.

A lot of concerns arise around sources of beef protein. Especially cheaper products can be extracted from connective tissue of low quality or material whose properties are not standardised. To avoid doubts, always choose a portfolio of legitimate brands.

Whey Protein or Beef Protein – Which One to Choose?

If you don't experience any problems with lactose intolerance and seek products with reasonable prices, consider whey protein. When quality matters most, buy beef protein instead, but aim for tested manufacturers. In both cases you can combine protein supplements with creatine. This way, you might be able to further enhance results.

Remember that protein supplementation should be only an addition to a well-balanced diet and can’t replace complete meals. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional first. Be aware of artificial sweeteners, such as maltitol or xylitol because they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the goal, a different type of protein will be adequate, but there’s no universal solution.