Whey Protein

Overview

Whey protein provides high-quality complete protein (DIAAS 118-122) and nicotinamide riboside, an efficient NAD+ precursor supporting mitochondrial function.

Within the BRAIN Diet framework, whey protein isolate has DIAAS 118–122 with no limiting amino acids, high leucine content, and supports BDNF and neurotransmitter synthesis [1][2].

Key Nutritional Highlights

• Whey protein isolate scores among the highest DIAAS values for essential amino-acid quality [1]
• Leucine-rich whey protein acutely stimulates muscle protein synthesis via mTOR signalling [2]
• Whey protein provides high-quality complete protein (DIAAS 118-122) and nicotinamide riboside, an efficient NAD+ precursor supporting mitochondrial function. [1]
• Whey protein isolate has DIAAS 118–122 with no limiting amino acids, high leucine content, and supports BDNF and neurotransmitter synthesis. [2]
• Whey protein provides high-quality complete protein (DIAAS 118-122) and nicotinamide riboside, an efficient NAD+ precursor supporting mitochondrial function.

Food Context

Synergies

• Part of protein strategy for brain health

Preparation

• Can be used as supplement or in smoothies
• High-quality protein source
• Supports mitochondrial NAD+ availability

Essential Amino Acid Profile

Whey Protein contribute plant protein. Pair with complementary protein sources (e.g. grains and legumes) for a balanced essential amino acid profile.

Recipes

no recipes found

Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)

Core nutrients

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Energy	352 kcal	—
Protein	78.1 g	—
Total fat	1.6 g	—
Saturated fat	0.8 g	—
Carbohydrates	6.3 g	—
Fibre	3.1 g	—

Bioactive compounds

Explicitly identified compounds, including individual fatty acids, with a defensible quantity or an explicit qualitative status. Asterisks (*) identify supplementary sources below. Unquantified or trace constituents are not automatically admitted to the Substances list.

Compound / class	Amount per 100 g	Notes
Leucine	Present — quantity not established *	—

Source notes (supplementary):

• * Leucine: Whey Protein is defined by a high leucine fraction of whey protein; the selected USDA protein-powder record reports protein but not individual amino acids.

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).

Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Beverages, Protein powder whey based, FDC ID 173180, SR Legacy bulk (April 2018), per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-08-15

Substances

Substances admitted through a supported nutrition-table row. Not every table row appears here. Cards are not BRS mappings.

1 substance in this food

Leucine

Essential BCAA; mTOR signaling; protein synthesis; cognitive load support

References

[1] Whey protein isolate scores among the highest DIAAS values for essential amino-acid quality. FAO 2013. Dietary Protein Quality Evaluation in Human Nutrition: Report of an FAO Expert Consultation

[2] Leucine-rich whey protein acutely stimulates muscle protein synthesis via mTOR signalling. Norton & Layman 2006. Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise