DISCUSSION: Advanced Whey™ is an advanced whey protein formulation, high in alpha-lactalbumin and bioactive peptide subfractions such as lactoferrin. Advanced Whey™ starts with a new high-concentration cross-flow microfiltered whey (not an ion-exchange whey), to maximize protein content and minimize unnecessary carbohydrate and saturated fat while retaining all bioactive peptide subfractions. This is then enhanced with an ultra-high alpha-lactalbumin whey protein isolate, bringing the alpha-lactalbumin content to 30% of total protein content – a ratio reflecting what is found in human breast milk. Alpha-lactalbumin has a higher net protein utilization (NPU) than conventional whey proteins, allowing greater support for anabolic metabolism, and is less allergenic than the beta-lactalbumin which predominates in conventional whey. Advanced Whey™ is also enriched in lactoferrin, a high-affinity iron-binding protein concentrated in bodily fluids. Lactoferrin supports immune function through several mechanisms ; direct antimicrobial action, the denial of access to free iron necessary for microbial growth, the blocking of cellular receptors vulnerable to exploitation by some viruses, and the enhancement of the activity and/or effectiveness of immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). Lactoferrin levels increase naturally after intense bouts of physical activity. This response enhances the immune system, which can be weakened by rigorous exercise. The low temperature, filtration-based processing techniques used in these materials allow the whey proteins to be extracted without the use of phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, or large pH excursions, resulting in an absolute minimization of protein denaturation.