Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH)
Also known as: WPH, Whey hydrolysate, Pre-digested whey, Whey peptides
Enzymatic hydrolysis (typically with pancreatic proteases) breaks intact whey into peptides of 2–10 kDa. Degree of hydrolysis (DH%) is the key quality metric; sports nutrition products typically use DH 10–25%.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-28 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
Hydrolysed whey protein is whey isolate or concentrate enzymatically cleaved into di- and tripeptides plus free amino acids, producing the fastest aminoacidaemia of any dietary protein. Used in clinical enteral feeds, hypoallergenic infant formulas, and premium sports recovery products where absorption speed is paramount.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Di- and tripeptides bypass the slower intact-protein digestion pathway and are absorbed directly via the PEPT1 transporter, delivering peak plasma amino acids in ~30 minutes vs ~60–90 for intact whey.
Physiological Role
Maximal-speed EAA delivery with the lowest gastric residence time of any protein source.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Buckley 2010 showed WPH accelerated recovery of muscle force after eccentric exercise compared with intact whey and a carbohydrate control. Useful when multiple training bouts occur within hours.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 20 g per serving
- Optimal Range
- 20–30 g per serving
- Upper / Caution Level
- No defined upper limit within total-protein targets
- Timing
- Immediately post-exercise or between same-day training sessions
- Best Format
- Powder (notably bitter — often blended with isolate)
- Bioavailability
- Fastest aminoacidaemia of any protein; peak plasma EAA at ~30 min.
- Absorption Considerations
- Higher cost and bitter taste; minimal incremental MPS benefit over WPI for single training sessions.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Bitter taste
- •Rare GI discomfort
Contraindications
- Severe cow's milk allergy (extensively hydrolysed forms may still trigger reactions)
Drug Interactions
- •As per intact whey
Who Should Avoid
- •Severe milk protein allergy without paediatric supervision
Monitoring
None required in healthy adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH) typically used or indicated?
Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH) is most commonly used for: Fastest post-workout aminoacidaemia, Clinical / enteral nutrition, Infant formulas, Sensitive GI tracts. Maximal-speed EAA delivery with the lowest gastric residence time of any protein source.
How does Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH) work?
Di- and tripeptides bypass the slower intact-protein digestion pathway and are absorbed directly via the PEPT1 transporter, delivering peak plasma amino acids in ~30 minutes vs ~60–90 for intact whey.
What is the recommended dose of Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH)?
The optimal range is 20–30 g per serving. with a minimum effective dose of 20 g per serving. Best taken: Immediately post-exercise or between same-day training sessions. Upper / caution level: No defined upper limit within total-protein targets.
What are the side effects of Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH)?
Reported side effects include: Bitter taste; and Rare GI discomfort. Monitoring: None required in healthy adults.
Does Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH) interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: As per intact whey. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH)?
Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH) is generally not recommended for: Severe milk protein allergy without paediatric supervision; and Severe cow's milk allergy (extensively hydrolysed forms may still trigger reactions).
How strong is the evidence for Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH)?
Evidence level: Strong (overall score 84/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
Supplementation with a whey protein hydrolysate enhances recovery of muscle force-generating capacity following eccentric exercise
Buckley JD et al. WPH restored peak isometric torque significantly faster than intact whey or carbohydrate after eccentric damage.
Whey protein hydrolysate enhances the postprandial muscular protein synthesis response in healthy elderly men
Pennings B / Power O et al. Hydrolysed whey produced faster and slightly greater postprandial MPS than intact whey in older adults.
Related Ingredients
Other top-rated ingredients in Proteins & Protein Powders.
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
94/100Microfiltered or ion-exchange purified whey to ≥90% protein. Lower in lactose and fat than WPC, preserving most bioactive fractions in CFM versions. DIAAS ≈ 1.09; leucine content ~11%.
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC 80)
92/100Membrane-filtered (ultrafiltration/microfiltration) liquid whey concentrated to 70–80% protein dry matter. Retains higher levels of native bioactive fractions than isolate. PDCAAS = 1.0; DIAAS ≈ 1.09.
Micellar Casein
88/100Casein retained in its native micellar form (intact αs1, αs2, β and κ caseins assembled with colloidal calcium phosphate). Coagulates at gastric pH, dramatically slowing emptying.
Research Overview
Strong EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/hydrolysed-whey-protein
SuppIndex. (2026). Hydrolysed Whey Protein (WPH): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/hydrolysed-whey-protein
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often blended with WPI to mask bitterness while preserving speed.