WHEY PROTEIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Whey protein is the protein from whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. It is commonly used as a protein supplement.

Whey protein might improve the nutrient content of the diet and also have effects on the immune system.

People commonly use whey protein for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is also used for asthma, diabetes, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Athletic performance. Regularly consuming whey protein by mouth while also regularly exercising increases muscle strength and athletic performance. But it seems that both must be done consistently to see benefits.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking whey protein by mouth doesn't seem to help COPD symptoms.
  • Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking whey protein by mouth for up to 2 years doesn't improve bone density in older adults.

There is interest in using whey protein for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Whey protein is likely safe for most adults when taken appropriately. High doses can cause some side effects such as increased bowel movements, acne, nausea, thirst, bloating, reduced appetite, tiredness, and headache.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Whey protein is likely safe for most adults when taken appropriately. High doses can cause some side effects such as increased bowel movements, acne, nausea, thirst, bloating, reduced appetite, tiredness, and headache. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if whey protein is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Whey protein is likely safe for children when used in amounts commonly found in food or when included in infant formulas.

Milk allergy: If you are allergic to cow's milk, avoid using whey protein.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Levodopa interacts with WHEY PROTEIN

    Whey protein might decrease how much levodopa the body absorbs. This might decrease the effects of levodopa. Do not take whey protein and levodopa at the same time.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN

    Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.

  • Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN

    Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.

  • Bisphosphonates interacts with WHEY PROTEIN

    Whey protein can decrease the effects of bisphosphates. To avoid this interaction, take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before whey or, preferably, at a different time of day.

Dosing

Whey protein has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 30 grams by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific purpose.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

WHEY PROTEIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

WHEY PROTEIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews? ›

Special Precautions and Warnings

What are the major side effects of whey protein? ›

Dangers of whey protein include stomach pains and cramps when consumed at high doses. Some people who are allergic to milk may be specifically allergic to whey. In moderate doses, whey protein does not typically cause any adverse events.

What are the precautions while taking whey protein? ›

Precautions. If you are lactose intolerant, whey protein hydrolysate or isolate may be preferred than concentrate. If you have ever had liver or kidney problems, consult a doctor before taking a protein supplement. Pregnant or lactating women must completely avoid whey protein intake without medical advice or guidance.

Who should not use whey protein powder? ›

If you have lactose intolerance, you may find whey protein isolate or non-dairy protein powders easier to tolerate. Non-dairy protein powders may come from sources such as pea, egg, rice or hemp. People with cow's milk allergy should not take whey protein, because it is a milk product.

Does whey protein affect liver and kidney? ›

Regular consumption of whey protein has been associated with improper kidney functioning. It increases the urinary volume, plasma urea content and urinary calcium excretion. In the longer run, whey protein can also overburden the kidneys leading to the formation of kidney stones.

Is it safe to drink whey protein every day? ›

But generally speaking, whey protein has an excellent safety profile and most people can consume it without problems. Whey protein is very safe. A commonly recommended dose is 1–2 scoops (25–50 grams) per day.

When should you not take whey protein? ›

People with milk allergy or sensitivity should not use whey protein. It could cause an allergic reaction. If you have kidney disease, check with a doctor before using any type of protein powder.

What not to mix with whey protein? ›

Interactions ?
  • Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN. Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. ...
  • Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN. Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. ...
  • Bisphosphonates interacts with WHEY PROTEIN.

What foods should you avoid with whey protein? ›

Since whey is such a common and inexpensive food additive, you should also avoid cheese-flavored crackers and snacks, margarine, hot dogs and sausages. Whey-containing milk is frequently used for waffles, pancakes, muffins, chocolate and pudding. Chocolate candies, nougat and caramel contain whey.

Can I eat anything after taking whey protein? ›

In fact , it is recommended to have a balanced meal within 1 - 2 hours after consuming a protein shake to maximize its benefits . Protein shakes are a great way to supplement your diet and provide your body with essential nutrients , but they should not be used as a replacement for meals .

What medications does whey protein interfere with? ›

Whey protein can decrease how much alendronate (Fosamax) the body absorbs. Taking whey protein and alendronate (Fosamax) at the same time can decrease the effectiveness of alendronate (Fosamax). Don't take whey protein within two hours of taking alendronate (Fosamax).

Is whey protein inflammatory? ›

High doses of whey protein have been shown to reduce blood levels of C-reactive protein, indicating that it can help reduce inflammation.

Which brand is the best whey protein? ›

1. Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100% Casein Protein Powder - Click here for Amazon deal. With 24 grams of slow-digesting micellar CaseinCasein per serving, this Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard protein powder provides 60 per cent of the daily value for Calcium.

What are the disadvantages of whey protein? ›

Consumption of whey protein can lead to depletion of good bacteria in your gut and can increase bad bacteria which may cause stomach pain, constipation and gas. Your body may even find it difficult to digest dairy products or dairy proteins naturally.

What are the long term side effects of whey protein? ›

The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to liver and kidney damage, alterations in gut microbiota, increased acne incidence, impacts on bone mass, and emotional and behavioural changes.

Is whey protein bad for cholesterol? ›

Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy. Studies have shown that whey protein given as a supplement lowers both LDL and total cholesterol as well as blood pressure. You can find whey protein powders in health food stores and some grocery stores.

What happens if you take whey protein without working out? ›

Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength. In the long term, it might also affect things like your heart health or how your bones stay strong.

What happens when you stop taking whey protein? ›

What happens after you stop taking Whey Protein? After stopping the consumption of Whey Protein, your body will eventually return to its normal state. Depending on how much and how often you were taking Whey Protein before, it may take a few days or weeks for your body to adjust.

Does whey protein cause muscle gain? ›

Whey powder is an excellent source of protein, and it is called the "gold standard" of protein because it helps athletes develop a fit physique. It is digested quickly and is generally well tolerated. There is evidence that whey protein powder increases muscle mass and strength.

What does whey protein do to a woman's body? ›

Whey protein, one of the protein fractions of cow's milk, is a high-quality source of protein that can easily be supplemented in a women's diet. Some of these benefits include building lean body mass and bone mineral density, weight loss and satiety, and managing blood glucose levels and blood pressure.

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