Last verified: today
Casein
Also known as: micellar casein, casein protein, casein phosphopeptide, CPP, CPP-ACP, CPP-ACPF, slow-release protein
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Slow-digesting milk protein that may help maintain strength during fasting and support tooth enamel repair.
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What it does
Casein is the primary protein found in cow's milk, making up about 80% of milk's total protein. It digests slowly compared to whey, releasing amino acids gradually over several hours. In one...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
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Found in
Earth Circle Organics Coconut Cream Powder, Atkins Protein Bar, Dredsnutrition and 3 more
What the Science Says
Casein is the primary protein found in cow's milk, making up about 80% of milk's total protein. It digests slowly compared to whey, releasing amino acids gradually over several hours. In one clinical trial, micellar casein taken before a long fast helped combat sport athletes partially maintain anaerobic power and upper-body strength. A casein-derived compound called casein phosphopeptide (CPP) is also used in dental products to help remineralize weakened tooth enamel, with clinical trials showing meaningful improvements in early enamel lesions over 6–12 months.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to build more muscle than other protein sources based on the provided studies. No evidence from these papers that it burns fat or aids weight loss. The dental form (CPP-ACP) is not the same as protein powder — don't expect your shake to fix your teeth. No evidence from these studies that it outperforms whey for overall athletic performance.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Micellar casein at the pre-dawn meal partially protects anaerobic power and upper-body strength during Ramadan fasting.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 0.4 g/kg body weight
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Casein phosphopeptide-based dental varnish helps remineralize early enamel lesions and white spots over 6–12 months.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — casein forms a gel in the stomach, slowing digestion and producing a sustained but lower peak amino acid release compared to whey. Dental CPP forms are applied topically and work locally on enamel.
Red Flags to Watch For
- People with cow's milk allergy should avoid casein — it is a primary milk allergen and can trigger severe reactions including anaphylaxis
- Casein protein powders are not equivalent to the dental CPP-ACP products studied for tooth remineralization — do not conflate the two
- The athletic performance benefit shown in the provided study was only partial — casein did not fully restore performance to non-fasting levels
- Most of the provided papers study casein in non-supplement contexts (food science, dental, animal studies) — direct human supplementation evidence is very limited here
Products Containing Casein
See how Casein is used in these analyzed products:
Earth Circle Organics Coconut Cream Powder
Supplement
Atkins Protein Bar
Supplement
Dredsnutrition
Supplement
Gaspari Nutrition MyoFusion
Supplement
Premier Protein Vanilla Shake
Supplement
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Rich Chocolate
Supplement
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25