Concept:
Whey proteins are considered high-quality proteins because they contain a high proportion of essential amino acids, which the human body cannot synthesize and must obtain from diet.
Step 1: Understanding whey protein composition.
Whey protein includes:
• $\beta$-lactoglobulin
• $\alpha$-lactalbumin
• Serum albumin
• Immunoglobulins
Step 2: Essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids include:
• Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine
• Lysine, Methionine
• Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, etc.
Step 3: Proportion in whey protein.
Whey protein contains approximately 50–51% essential amino acids, which makes it superior in nutritional quality compared to many plant proteins.
Step 4: Evaluating options.
• 51% → Matches scientific data
• 21%, 31%, 11% → Too low for whey protein
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, whey protein contains approximately 51% essential amino acids.