Calcium caseinate is a protein produced from casein in skim milk. At neutral or acid pH, casein is relatively insoluble in water, and is easily separated from other milk proteins, sugars and minerals. After their removal, the casein is solubilized at a high pH with calcium hydroxide; the solution is then dried (usually spray dried). Calcium caseinate contains about 17% glutamic acid.
Its main food uses are for powders requiring rapid dispersion into water, such as coffee creamers & instant cream soups. It is also used as a dietary supplement by bodybuilders and other athletes who ingest it before bed, with breakfast, or as meal after working out as it breaks down at a slower rate than whey protein, thus supplying the body with a sustained amino acid release. Mead Johnson introduced a product in the early 1920s named Casec to ease gastrointestinal disorders and infant digestive problems that was the cause of death in children. Calcium caseinate is soluble and does not clot in the stomach. It is believed to neutralize capsaicin, the active (hot) ingredient of peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, and other chili peppers.