Calcium caseinate is a protein derived from casein in milk. The food industry often uses calcium caseinate in powders that require rapid dispersion in water, such as instant cream soups and coffee creamers. As a dietary supplement, bodybuilders use calcium caseinate because this protein breaks down more slowly than whey protein, allowing for a sustained release of amino acids. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before using calcium caseinate.
casein
Casein is the name of a large family of proteins called phosphoproteins. You can find phosphoproteins in mammalian milk. According to the AZ Guide to Food Additives: Never Eat What You Can't Pronounce, phosphoproteins make up 80% of the protein in dairy cows. 60% protein in cow's milk and human milk. Casein is composed of essential amino acids, carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus and has high nutritional value. Some people have life-threatening allergic reactions to casein. An allergy to this protein is not the same as lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar, not a protein.
Production of calcium caseinate
Manufacturers produce calcium caseinate by changing the pH of milk to either neutral or acidic. In this state, casein becomes insoluble in water; this allows manufacturers to separate it from other proteins in milk. After separation, manufacturers mix casein with calcium hydroxide under highly alkaline conditions and then dry the protein.
Calcium caseinate in food
In addition to being miscible with water, calcium caseinate is also a very stable substance. As a food supplement, manufacturers use calcium caseinate to enrich products with organic amino acids, extend shelf life, enhance nutritional content and enhance taste and smell. The bakery, meat and confectionery industries commonly use calcium caseinate in finished food products. In addition, manufacturers use calcium caseinate to produce health supplements, beverages, and weight loss products.
Calcium caseinate as a dietary supplement
As a dietary supplement, calcium caseinate can slow digestion, according to the book "Diets for Athletes." This helps athletes and bodybuilders prevent catabolism, the breakdown of muscle protein. Additionally, calcium caseinate helps create a feeling of satiety. Additionally, this protein contains high levels of L-glutamine, an amino acid essential for building muscle. There are no known side effects associated with the use of calcium caseinate, except for possible allergic reactions.
