Mixing Whey Protein & Egg White Protein Together

Powdered supplemental protein is available created from several different sources -- whey and egg whites are two common ones. Each has a long shelf life; neither requires refrigeration before use and each blends easily with water or other fluids. While either protein source can be beneficial if it is used properly, you may find that combining the two provides additional benefits that neither could offer alone.

Protein Sources

Whey protein and egg protein are popular sports nutrition supplements, thanks to their versatility 3. You can add the high-protein, low-fat powders to smoothies and shakes, to baked goods like muffins or pancakes, or simply to beverages like water or milk. These supplements also tend to be inexpensive when compared to other protein sources on a price-per-gram basis; whole foods such as fish, beef and even chicken can often end up costing much more per gram than whey and egg white protein powders 3.

Differences

Casein Protein for Weight Loss

Learn More

Despite the similarities, whey protein and egg white protein do have some differences, such as absorption rate. Whey protein is considered a premier choice for post-workout use because it is absorbed rapidly by your body, which may facilitate enhanced recovery. However, protein that is more slowly absorbed also has benefits: Egg white protein and other slow proteins can provide a sustained release of amino acids to ensure that your muscles have adequate nutrition throughout the day. Muscle recovery takes much longer than just the first few minutes after a workout, so consuming slower protein sources as well as easily absorbed protein sources can be helpful for building muscle and for helping curb your appetite if you are attempting to lose weight.

Intake Levels

Most men need about 56 grams of protein per day, while most women need about 46 grams per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a common misconception that eating more protein than you need can be harmful to your kidneys -- that is usually only the case if you have preexisting kidney disease. However, consuming more than your daily requirement of protein will not provide any particular extra benefit to your body in terms of muscle recovery, and could contribute to excess calorie intake.

Other Considerations

How Much Protein Should a Female Bodybuilder Consume?

Learn More

Because whey and egg white protein both come in powdered form, they mix together quite easily. In addition, since both supplements tend to be flavored, you should be able to find a variety with a taste you like. Although mixing the two supplements together in one storage tub can be convenient, keeping them separate allows you to control the ratio of slow to fast protein, which can be beneficial.