Hydrolyzed whey protein produced through lactylation may offer advantages over conventional whey protein by improving digestibility, absorption, and anabolic potential. While whey protein is recognized for its benefits in immunity, muscle health, metabolic regulation, and overall wellness, prolonged intake of intact proteins may increase gastrointestinal workload. Lactylated whey protein hydrolysate requires less enzymatic digestion, places lower demand on pancreatic function, and is absorbed more rapidly. Notably, its higher leucine content enhances muscle protein synthesis by activating key anabolic signaling pathways, including mTOR and p-S6K, findings supported by cell, animal, and human studies. Blends of whey protein and lactylated whey protein hydrolysate demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in muscle protein synthesis in C2C12 cells, with measurable benefits observed even at a 10% inclusion level. These findings highlight lactylated whey protein hydrolysate as a promising functional ingredient for sports nutrition and provide a potential avenue for innovation within the whey protein market.
Source : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43014-026-00387-8
