Sometimes slower is better - especially when it comes to the rate of protein digestion. While rapid protein absorption is desirable immediately before or after exercise, delayed release is probably more beneficial throughout the remainder of the day.

Casein proteins are pH sensitive and gel in the acidic environment of the stomach. As a result, it can take more than twice as long for caseins to be broken-down into their amino acid subcomponents than whey and other proteins. Because of these unique "time-released" qualities, caseins are aptly described as being anti-catabolic, or muscle-protecting, proteins.

In a ground breaking study(1), carried out by Dr Yves Boire, the differences in metabolic responses of Whey Protein and Casein were individually observed over a 7 hour period in 16 young & healthy volunteers. The findings were very interesting, and have shown that both Casein and Whey have very different applications when it comes to maintaining and building muscle tissue.