Whey protein can cause digestive upset, kidney problems, and allergic reactions in some people. High levels of protein can also deplete the body of certain vitamins and minerals and increase blood acidity. Improper dosing and interactions with certain prescription drugs or antibiotics can also cause side effects. Whey protein isolate is available for those who are lactose intolerant.
Whey protein side effects are generally considered minimal, although some do exist. Many of the compounds found in whey protein are common in most diets, although high levels of protein can cause digestive upset, nausea, kidney problems, and other ailments in some people. Additionally, allergic reactions may be present for those who are lactose intolerant. People taking certain medications and antibiotics may also be advised about taking whey protein.
Most of the time, whey protein side effects are not specific to the product itself. Rather, such effects are indicative of the amount of protein, calcium, carbohydrate, lactose, or other compounds and nutrients found in the product. In other words, most of the ingredients that cause side effects or interactions are found in average diets.
As the name suggests, the product contains a high level of protein. Too much protein can put too much strain on the kidneys. It also depletes the body of certain vitamins and minerals. For this reason, those who practice high protein diets often take multivitamin supplements. A high protein diet, as practiced by those who regularly consume whey protein, can also increase blood acidity, which should be kept as close to neutral as possible (7.0 on the pH scale).
Those who don’t exercise regularly may have no reason to take whey protein, particularly in Western culture where large amounts of protein are common in an average diet. Whey protein side effects can be avoided by only taking the product when trying to build muscle mass or lose weight. Any of these benefits will only be reaped when accompanied by exercise and an overall healthy diet.
Some side effects of whey protein come from the amount of lactose in the product, which is generally closer to 5 or 6 percent. Again, as the name implies, whey protein comes from a compound in milk called whey, which is separated from the curds used in cheese making. The primary sugar found in milk and whey is lactose, to which many people are intolerant. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive discomfort and ailments. Whey protein isolate, which contains less than one percent of the sugar from lactose, is available for those who are lactose intolerant.
Improper dosing can also cause some whey protein side effects. The product is generally considered safe and beneficial when taken at appropriate levels. However, taking too much can cause nausea, increased bowel movements, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
There are some interactions between whey protein and certain prescription drugs or antibiotics. Those taking tetracyclines, for example, can be careful, as high levels of calcium in whey protein can inhibit the absorption of tetracyclines in the stomach. This problem can be addressed by avoiding the consumption of whey protein and tetracyclines within four hours of each other. A doctor is likely to provide such information, and many brands will provide comprehensive directions, warnings, and nutrition information alongside their products.
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