Is whey protein superior to other protein sources?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Whey protein is considered superior to other protein sources like casein and soy due to its high bioavailability, rapid digestion, and rich leucine content, which leads to a greater increase in blood amino acids and more effective stimulation of muscle protein synthesis.

    Whey protein is highly bioavailable, rich in essential amino acid (including leucine), and quickly digested. Consuming whey causes a larger increase in blood amino acids than does casein or soy protein. And, both at rest and after exercise, whey protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) to a greater degree than casein and soy — likely due to the quicker digestion and/or higher leucine content of whey hydrolysate.[1]