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Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2014; 20(3): 724-737
Published online Jan 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i3.724
Table 4 Whey protein components and its basic properties
Whey componentsConcentration (g/L)% of Whey ProteinMolecular weight (kDa)Number of amino acids residuesBiological propertiesRecommendation grade against Helicobacter1
β-Lactoglobulin1.350%-55%18277162Source of essential and branched chain amino acids-
α-Lactalbumin1.220%-25%14175123Primary protein found in human breast milkD
Source of essential and branched chain amino acids
Immunoglobulins(A, B and C)0.710%-15%25000 (light chain) + 50000-70000 (heavy chain)-Primary protein found in colostrum Immune modulating benefitsD
Lactoferrin0.11%-2%80000700AntioxidantA
Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal
Promotes growth of beneficial bacteria
Naturally occurs in breast milk, tears, saliva, bile, blood, and mucus
Lactoperoxidase0.030.50%70000612Inhibits growth of bacteria-
Bovine Serum Albumin0.45%-10%66267582Source of essential amino acids-
Large protein
Glycomacropeptide1.210%-15%670064Source of branched chain amino acidsD
Lacks the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine