Nestlé Nutrition Institute insight with the Nestlé medical and scientific community Register Now!

Nutrition Expert Articles

Learn more about current topics in clinical nutrition from leading clinical experts.

Clinician Spotlight

Learn more about a featured colleague who has helped patients overcome nutritional challenges.

Reimbursement Info

Learn more about Medicare reimbursement information.

Products & Applications Power of Whey

Whey protein is a natural, high-quality protein derived from cow's milk. It's a rich source of essential amino acids. In its purest form, as whey protein isolate, it contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol.

Whey protein has been shown to promote anabolism, growth and recovery. Whey protein has also been shown to help improve GI tolerance and to support of the body's natural antioxidant defenses.


Anabolism, Growth & Development

High-quality whey protein promotes normal growth and development.

  • Up to 80% of human milk protein is whey¹
  • Whey protein is an ideal source of BCAAs, which may stimulate protein synthesis²
  • Whey protein is an ideal protein source for nutrition support during metabolic stress³

Power of Whey Graph1




Whey protein helps facilitate GI tolerance.

  • Shown to empty faster from the stomach than casein4,5
  • Improved gastric emptying may reduce the potential for regurgitation6
  • Useful in managing bowel movement patterns and stool consistency



Whey protein helps support the body's antioxidant system in its defense against damaging free radicals.


High-quality whey protein promotes normal growth and development.

  • An excellent source of cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid for the synthesis of glutathione9
  • Glutathione is one of the most important cellular antioxidants10
  • Glutathione is important for neutralizing the free radicals that can cause oxidative stress11


  1. Akers SM, et al. In: Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition, 2nd ed. 1999:65-97.
  2. Yoshizawa F. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004;313:417-422.
  3. Tome D. The Importance of Whey and Whey Components in Food and Nutrition. Proceedings of the 3rd International Whey Conference, Munich 2001.
  4. Tolia V, et al. J Pediatr Gastroent Nutr 1992;5:297-301.
  5. Billeaud, et al. Eur J. Clin Nutr 1990;44:577-883.
  6. Fried MD, et al. J Pediatr 1992;120:569-572.
  7. Glauser M, et al. Presented at the VII International Conference on AIDS, 1993.
  8. Bray TM, et al. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1993;71:746-751.
  9. Bounous G, et al. Cancer Letters 1991;57:91-94.
  10. Meister A. Cancer Res 1994;54(S):1969-1975.
  11. White AC, et al. J Nutr Biochem 1994;5:218-226.