Whey of milk: a valuable product

Considering the large volume produced daily, the high nutritional value and the environmental pollution due to whey inadequate destination, industries have sought viable alternative to their use. The applications are due to the need for the creation of subsidies to reduce hunger in many parts of the world and by researches showing that the properties of whey proteins are highly favorable to human health, towards to reduce the risk of infectious diseases and also considered chronic and/or degenerative diseases. New studies, as well as the development of new foods fortified with whey proteins, in order to facilitate their consumption by large population groups are needed to verify their real effectiveness. This revision contains updated information about the nutritional components and especially the multifunctional properties of whey proteins, with emphasizing on alternative use of this byproduct by the dairy industry and environmental issues.