Casein Protein

 

Like whey, casein is a protein found in milk. However, casein is digested and absorbed much more slowly.

Casein forms a gel when it interacts with stomach acid, slowing down stomach emptying and delaying your bloodstream’s absorption of amino acids.

This results in a gradual, steadier exposure of your muscles to amino acids, reducing the rate of muscle protein breakdown (22).

Research indicates that casein is more effective at increasing MPS and strength than soy and wheat protein — but less than whey protein (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).

However, one study in overweight men suggests that when calories are restricted, casein may have an edge over whey in improving body composition during resistance training (27Trusted Source).

Summary Casein is a slow-digesting dairy protein that may reduce muscle protein breakdown and promote muscle mass growth and fat loss during calorie restriction.