Whey Protein Side Effects

From LoveToKnow Vegetarian

There is an ongoing debate about whey protein side effects and whether or not the dietary supplement is as harmless as many claim. Currently, there are no existing scientific studies which prove t hat consumption of whey protein is harmful to healthy adults. That doesn’t mean adding the natural product to your diet comes without certain risks.

Bodybuilders love whey protein.

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a high quality protein derived from milk during cheese manufacturing. It has been available for centuries, but within the last 20 years it has gained immense popularity in the area of sports nutrition.

Types of Whey Protein

There are three types of whey protein:

  • Whey protein concentrate: The most commonly used and most affordable source of whey protein
  • Whey protein isolate: Found in protein powders, they are a purer form of whey protein, which is digested through the intestines much quicker than whey protein concentrate
  • Hydrolyzed whey protein: The least common form of whey protein and the most expensive; traditionally used by serious body builders and other professional athletes

Who Consumes Whey Protein?

In addition to body builders and pro athletes, whey protein is also widely consumed by vegetarians looking to add another source of protein to their diet and by pregnant women who need a protein boost. Other types of whey protein products are specially formulated for weight loss, infant nutrition and immune support because of their high levels of amino acids.

Whey Protein Side Effects

While whey protein is a natural food substance, it is not 100 percent risk free. There are some minor whey protein side effects you should be aware of:

Allergic Reaction

Whey protein is derived from milk. In addition, some unrefined forms of whey protein contain higher levels of lactose. Consequently, the product may cause negative reactions in people who are allergic to dairy products and those who suffer from lactose intolerance. If you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming whey protein, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Rash or hives
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Excessive coughing
  • Diarrhea or blood in the stool (especially in infants)
  • Vomiting

Excessive Consumption

In studying whey protein side effects, doctors have found that some individuals, who consume excessive amounts of the substance, may experience the following symptoms:

  • Increased stool frequency
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headaches
  • Thirst
  • Bloating
  • Cramps

Other Side Effects

Kidney Problems: If whey protein is taken over the long-term there is a risk of developing kidney disorders, including kidney stones. However, it is important to note that there isn’t substantiated research that links excessive, long-term whey protein consumption with deteriorating kidney function. Regardless, many experts still insist that there is a risk, and caution individuals to consume whey protein in moderation.

Liver Problems: In some cases whey protein has been found to cause liver damage related to ketosis. Ketosis is characterized by elevated levels of ketones in the blood and is considered very dangerous since it causes stress on the liver that might lead to liver damage.

Joint Problems: Long-term consumption of whey protein can also result in insufficient calcium deposits to the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis and other joint problems.

Better Safe Than Sorry

While the vast majority of consumers will not experience negative side effects while taking whey protein, it's better to be safe than sorry. Contact your doctor if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. Vegetarians looking to take additional precautions should consult their health care provider before incorporating whey protein into their diet.

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Comments

Hi Chris,

You've raised some great points. Soy is indeed used in many, many foods as a filler. It may not be very good for human health. There's a lot of research that processed soy, which is very different from the soy that Asian cultures consume, is detrimental to human health. As for getting enough protein in a vegetarian diet, you actually get plenty from vegetable sources. Most vegetables contain protein. Combining foods such as rice and beans, eating nuts and seeds, and incorporating foods such as eggs provides plenty of protein.

-- Contributed by: Jeanne Grunert

It seems like both whey protein and soy protein have negatives. With the recent controversy regarding the connection between increased soy in your diet being tied to breast cancer, I opted for whey protein when making a morning breakfast health shake. While "normal" amounts of soy are considered safe, there is increased discussion of soy being used more and more as cheap fillers in foods you wouldn't consider - therein, making it more difficult to watch your true soy consumption. Am I being overly paranoid - is there a safe way to naturally incorporate protein into the vegetarian diet?

-- Contributed by: Chris

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