The human digestive system breaks down proteins into very short chains of two and three amino acids. These di- and tripeptides are absorbed into the cells of the intestinal wall and are then converted into individual amino acids. An ideal hydrolysate that needs to be absorbed as quickly as possible consists only of di- and tripeptides. In practice, producing a supplement with only di- and tripeptides is challenging. Before all longer chains are shortened to a length of a maximum of 2 or 3 amino acids, a significant portion has already been split into individual amino acids. While individual amino acids are also absorbed quickly, the transport from the intestines to the cells of the intestinal wall is slightly more difficult. With an excessive intake of free amino acids at once, the absorption is not complete and can lead to flatulence or diarrhea.

High Proportion of Dipeptides and Tripeptides

Whey Protein Hydrolysate DH30 has a very high degree of hydrolysis (DH), resulting in a high proportion of di- and tripeptides, around 50%. The proportion of free amino acids is low, ensuring that the absorption capacity of the intestines is not exceeded. The majority of the remaining peptide chains are between 4 and 15 amino acids. After minimal digestion, these peptides can also be absorbed. Less than 10% of the peptide chains consist of more than 15 amino acids.

Most protein hydrolysates in sports supplements have a hydrolysis degree ranging from DH4 to DH12. These hydrolysates are absorbed much more slowly and are more likely to cause allergic reactions. Additionally, the stimulating effect on insulin release is partly lost.