Which form of protein is better for your gains?
We’ve all heard of whey protein, but you may have not heard of lactose free protein powder. Essentially, this is just another term for those non-dairy, vegan, and plant-based sources of protein derived from alternative sources like rice or pea protein, among others, including other animal sources like beef protein. While whey seems to reign as king in the protein supplementation world, knowing there are suitable alternatives in lactose free protein powders can be a game changer for many insensitive to dairy, or for those just looking for a change.
Let’s take a look at lactose free protein powder and see just what this can do for your gains. With many options and great benefits, your need to rely on whey are no more, thus giving you a great option to fully see huge gains. With the right non-dairy protein, you’ll never suffer discomfort again.
What Is Lactose Free Protein Powder?
Lactose free protein powder is essentially plant-based or vegan proteins, thus avoiding dairy and serving as an alternative to whey. However, beef protein is another lactose-free option that athletes are gravitating towards as well. Lactose is a sugar in milk that some people have a hard time breaking down. This is a result of limited lactase, the enzyme that works to perform said breakdown of lactose (1). This can cause discomfort for many, thus making whey a poor option for them to get adequate protein intake.
With many sources of protein being used for lactose free protein powder like rice, pea, or hemp protein, among others, the choices are endless for you to get a great workout and supplement with something worthwhile to capitalize on all your gains. Fear not, because your whey alternative in lactose free protein powder has arrived.
Beef Protein
Another great lactose-free protein source is beef protein which is highly effective and can actually perform better than whey. A great option with more amino acids and no side effects from dairy, athletes have gravitated towards this protein source for additional gains.
Check out MuscleMeds Carnivor for a fantastic beef protein isolate to build muscle and avoid any dairy whatsoever!
Benefits Of Lactose Free Protein Powder
When it comes to lactose free protein powders, the benefits are hard to ignore. Like all protein supplements, the ability to pump you with vital protein for muscle growth and other benefits is invaluable, but let’s take a look at some of the other key benefits associated with lactose free and plant-based proteins. Benefits include:
- Increased growth to see more definition and aid in strength and size (2).
- Better recovery to support repair and quicker bounce back.
- Less digestive stress to eliminate bloating and stomach discomfort (3).
- Potential weight loss as a great way to stay full and not waste caloric space.
- Nice change in your diet to offer vitamins and minerals for proper intake.
While whey protein allows for some of these benefits, it is important to note that lactose free protein powders are better for those following certain diets, have dairy sensitivities, or for those just avoiding dairy.
What Is Whey & How Does It Differ?
Whey protein comes from the watery portion of milk that is separated during the process of creating cheese. Packed with protein, this has become a popular source of protein supplementation for those looking to increase muscle growth, enhance recovery, and promote better weight loss. As you may know, whey protein is separated out in whey isolate and whey concentrate. Whey isolate is a more filtered form of whey great for isolating protein with minimal carbs and fats to promote lean muscle growth and weight loss (4). Whey concentrate, on the other hand, is great for those needing to bulk for this has increased carbs and fat as it is not filtered like a whey isolate.
The main difference when it comes to whey protein is that this comes from dairy. Lactose free protein supplements are those derived from many other sources other than dairy. What this does for those sensitive to dairy is gives them an option so they no longer have to shove chicken in their mouth, or rely on a whey protein that will only upset their stomachs.
Which Is Better: Whey Protein Or Lactose Free Protein?
When it comes down to it, both options will give you great advantages to your workouts and overall health. For protein powders, it really is a preference. You will get adequate amounts of protein with both, still receive great benefits with both, and find the results are very similar with both. The only real difference is source and how it will react with your body. You know your body best, so don’t settle for anything less.
The Best Lactose Free Protein Powder
Finding the best lactose free protein powder can be a game changer for those looking to fully optimize their health and performance without the need for whey or dairy. But like all supplements, so many options exist and it can be challenging to really nail down exactly which ones are the best for us.
Thankfully, supplements companies have stood out over others and Enhanced Labs has created a great protein powder free of lactose to really boost your gains effectively.
MuscleMeds Carnivor
Carnivor is a 100% beef protein isolate that is fast digesting and great tasting for an effective non-dairy protein supplement.
MuscleMeds Carnivore Beef Protein Isolate is a revolutionary protein supplement that is well-researched and clinically tested to improve muscle gains and aid in your overall protein goals. Using 23g of hydrolyzed beef protein, this is 350% more concentrated in amino acids than steak and is fast digesting to make it easier on your stomach. Being non-dairy gives athletes the opportunity to get a dairy-free product that will still produce gains, potentially at an even better rate.
Price: $69.74
Check out our list of the Best Non-Dairy Protein Powders for more awesome lactose free products!
Wrap Up
Lactose free protein powders are perfect options for boosting your overall health and performance while avoiding whey and dairy-based proteins. Non-dairy and plant-based protein sources have great benefits and can serve you well when looking to boost your gains. Finding the right supplement may seem challenging but it is absolutely possible if you put your mind to it. For those who want an alternative option to dairy, look into a great lactose free option to see all you gains take off.
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*Images courtesy of Envato
References
- Mattar, R.; et al. (2012). “Lactose intolerance: diagnosis, genetic, and clinical factors”. (source)
- Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
- Szilagyi, A.; et al. (2018). “Lactose Intolerance, Dairy Avoidance, and Treatment Options”. (source)
- Cooke, M.; et al. (2010). “Whey protein isolate attenuates strength decline after eccentrically-induced muscle damage I healthy individuals”. (source)
