Both micellar protein and whey protein come from milk, but they act in very different ways in the human body. Whey works fast... the body absorbing it quickly for an extra boost when needed. For example body builders would take a whey protein powder directly before, during, and right after a workout since it digests so quickly.
Micellar casein on the other hand takes time to work its way into the cells, blood, and muscles. Those same bodybuilders would do better to take casein before going to bed or at other times when they won't be having a meal for a while. Micellar casein stays in the system longer and keeps doing its work building and helping to maintain lean muscle mass.
The word "micellar" refers to the fact that the casein protein is separated from the milk without using chemicals. It's specially filtered so that the process won't interfere with its naturally beneficial qualities. You may also see it called "milk protein isolate or concentrate". However it's listed, it usually means there is mostly micellar casein with a bit of whey. Because of the way it's extracted from the milk it's considered an extremely high-grade protein.
You may also run across caseinates. They are still proteins but the processing is not pure as chemicals are used. Another term for creating chemical reactions is denatured. Rather than purchasing an altered form, it's best to find a true micellar casein protein powder or product containing micellar casein. It may cost more, but the purity and effectiveness are worth it.
Two terms you will see when reading about body building and strength enhancing protein powders and other products are "anabolic" and "catabolic". If these are new words to your vocabulary, anabolic refers to muscle growth, while catabolic is the opposite; muscle loss also known as atrophy.
Benefits Of Micellar Protein:
The Positive Attributes of Micellar Casein Protein We've already talked about the fact that casein protein helps promote strong, lean muscles. Studies have shown that it keeps the amino acid levels higher for as long as seven hours. This is an unusually long time and scientists are impressed by these results. It means that micellar casein allows the amino acids to keep stressed muscles from deteriorating for longer than other proteins.
Micellar casein protein also strengthens the immune system, an important function in an age where there are so many new viral strains. That's because it contains glutamine and immunoglobulin, good all-purpose amino acids our bodies need. Glutamine aids in protein absorption by the cells and new studies indicate that it helps body builders and other athletes that put tremendous strain on their muscles.
Other tissues utilize glutamine as well and ingesting extra amounts keeps them from taking it from muscles. Additionally glutamine helps the digestive tract renew its lining which is a normal process happening about every three days.
Caution:
Possible Negative Attributes Associated with Micellar Casein:
Because it comes from milk, micellar casein could possibly cause problems for anyone that is lactose intolerant. Symptoms may range from digestive distress, mild or severe, to the extreme condition called anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening. Generally speaking however, since it isn't the actual milk, high quality micellar casein doesn't affect those with that specific allergy.