What is the Difference Between Whey Protein and Creatine?

Whey protein and creatine are both considered essential supplements for people who are interested in body building, strength training and high performance workouts. Each of these supplements serve different purposes and provide essential nutrients for the body, and they can be used in conjunction with one another. Whey protein is a type of protein that provides the nutrients the body needs to build muscles, while creatine is an organic acid that provides the energy to the muscles.

Whey protein is created in the cheese-making process. This byproduct contains all of the essential amino acids. Whey protein contains the highest amount of protein of any supplement, and it is easily digested, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed by the body quickly. Whey protein can be consumed in three different forms: whey protein isolate, concentrate and blends.

Creatine supplements provide a boost of creatine, which is involved in the body’s process of producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source that is produced during high-energy activities, such as weightlifting or sprinting. Creatine is only stored in small amounts in the body, and the supplements provide extra resources during intense activities, allowing a person to extend his workout that much more. This extra energy is essential when trying to quickly grow body mass.

Whey protein and creatine differ in that whey is not naturally found in any food products. Creatine is found in lean red meats, fish, cranberries and milk. Also, the body can create its own creatine from amino acids within the body. The human body requires very little creatine, but protein provides the structure of the body’s cells and is involved in producing hormones, enzymes and antibodies.

Another difference between whey protein and creatine is that the body reaches a threshold for the amount of creatine it can absorb. Usually, people will load with creatine for weeks or months, and then they will either discontinue use or simply take a small dosage each day to maintain their creatine levels. While it is possible to overdose on protein, the body can absorb 30 grams of protein at a time; the daily recommended intake for bodybuilders is 1,500 milligrams of protein per 2.2 pounds (about 1 kilogram) of body weight.

Whey protein and creatine both promote muscle building, but they do it in different ways. Creatine, along with carbohydrates, provides a person with energy for physical activities, during which the muscle fibers in the body are broken down only to be rebuilt during the recovery period. Protein is needed during this recovery period to grow and repair the muscle fibers that were broken down during high-intensity workouts.