Whey protein side effects?

comptonelizabeth

As my appetite isn't big,I find it hard to reach my protein goals and have been using unflavoured whey protein to bump it up. For a few weeks it was fine but for the last 2-3 weeks I've been getting a lot of bloating and cramping in the gut. I switched to whey protein isolate but it made no difference.
I suffer from ulcerative colitis but am in remission so am pretty peed off about these symptoms - could it be the protein powder? Not keen on bothering my gp unnecessarily; just wondering if these are common side effects or if it's possibly something else.

Erik8484

I got those symptoms after years of using whey protein, worked out it was the whey through an elimination diet. Figure I became allergic.

These days i take bcaas at times I previously would have taken whey, might be an alternative for you too.

Cylphin60

I've never had any side effects from protein supps. Maybe back off if all else has remained equal and see if symptoms persist?

comptonelizabeth

Thanks both. Definitely cutting it out for a day or two - it's 2am here in the uk and my gut is keeping me awake !

mgymnop

Could you be lactose-intolerant? Make sure that the whey protein is lactose-free. That was for me the big issue. Even if it is an isolate there still can be traces of lactose in it. I use Isopure Zero carb protein powder. I have no problems with that.

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken

Possible side effects are listed here. This is only to offer something helpful and not to demonize anyone's choices. Some people may have a reaction of some kind. Intestinal reaction is mentioned, perhaps with the ulcerative colitis it "could" be aggravating your problem.

mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/whey-protein/safety/hrb-20060532

comptonelizabeth

mgymnop wrote: »

Could you be lactose-intolerant? Make sure that the whey protein is lactose-free. That was for me the big issue. Even if it is an isolate there still can be traces of lactose in it. I use Isopure Zero carb protein powder. I have no problems with that.

Thank you. Yes I switched to the isolate bit didn't notice any difference. I'll have a look at your suggestion. Pretty sure it's the whey that's doing it - I've not taken it for a couple of days and am starting to feel better.

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

Possible side effects are listed here. This is only to offer something helpful and not to demonize anyone's choices. Some people may have a reaction of some kind. Intestinal reaction is mentioned, perhaps with the ulcerative colitis it "could" be aggravating your problem.

mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/whey-protein/safety/hrb-20060532

Thank you - yep,I'm sure having an already inflamed gut doesn't help! Thanks for the link

comptonelizabeth

Ps wow,the maya clinic link is interesting and for one thing it looks like I've been taking more than they recommend.

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken

Well maybe you can give your gut a little time to calm down and introduce it in very small amounts. Glad it was helpful

comptonelizabeth

AnvilHead

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Cylphin60

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thanks for posting that. By their metrics I've been overdosing on whey lol. I think I'll drop it a bit...

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

This link may just need it's own thread for the purpose of answering questions people don't realize they even have. There is a lot of info in that link you posted. I was mostly just trying to address side effects specifically which is why I went with that page in particular.

comptonelizabeth

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thank you. Pretty sure I was also overdosing too.

Cylphin60

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thank you. Pretty sure I was also overdosing too.

Just out of curiosity, how close to your daily goal are you getting through your diet alone? I get pretty close most days, and with the lower number I'll probably hit it every day. I only use the powder those days when I'm short.

psuLemon

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

This link may just need it's own thread for the purpose of answering questions people don't realize they even have. There is a lot of info in that link you posted. I was mostly just trying to address side effects specifically which is why I went with that page in particular.

If you care about quality and efficacy of protein powders, I would add: https://labdoor.com/rankings/protein

psuLemon

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thank you. Pretty sure I was also overdosing too.

Quite possible. You could also switch to a vegan based protein powder to see if that helps.

rainbowbow

Yep, sounds like me and I have a lactose intolerance/dairy intolerance. I experience the same thing with casein and others.

I suggest you try a vegan protein powder (i prefer the taste and texture of soy).

Elise4270

I have ibs and the soy lethicin in it bothers me. I'll get bloating and gassy within 20 minutes. Too much of it and I'll also have a nasty headache.

I've had to switch to the quest brand or use a premade shake.

Might try and see?

Good luck.

comptonelizabeth

psuLemon wrote: »

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thank you. Pretty sure I was also overdosing too.

Quite possible. You could also switch to a vegan based protein powder to see if that helps.

Thanks- have been researching it!

Elise4270 wrote: »

I have ibs and the soy lethicin in it bothers me. I'll get bloating and gassy within 20 minutes. Too much of it and I'll also have a nasty headache.

I've had to switch to the quest brand or use a premade shake.

Might try and see?

Good luck.

Thank you! Sadly I'm a special snowflake and can't tolerate Soy either Will look at your suggestion.

rainbowbow wrote: »

Yep, sounds like me and I have a lactose intolerance/dairy intolerance. I experience the same thing with casein and others.

I suggest you try a vegan protein powder (i prefer the taste and texture of soy).

I can't tolerate soy either. I've been looking at the hemp ones- lower in protein but might be worth a shot.

In fact I've not been taking it for a couple of days and have still more or less hit my protein targets! It was just a quick and easy way of getting protein- so I may just save it for when it's needed.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful suggestions!

comptonelizabeth

Cylphin60 wrote: »

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thank you. Pretty sure I was also overdosing too.

Just out of curiosity, how close to your daily goal are you getting through your diet alone? I get pretty close most days, and with the lower number I'll probably hit it every day. I only use the powder those days when I'm short.

Yup- I've realised I can probably manage without,if I make the effort!

psuLemon

Do you get the same reaction with milk?

comptonelizabeth

I tend to drink lactose free milk (I actually prefer the taste!) I seem ok with cheese and yoghurt?

psuLemon

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

I tend to drink lactose free milk (I actually prefer the taste!) I seem ok with cheese and yoghurt?

My wife is similar.


Is your goal calories or protein? If the former, just add some chocolate or strawberry.

llaurenmarie

This happened to me when Stevia was the powder's sweetener. I don't know if you're has a sweetener or not.

Snowdusk

Whey protein makes me feel bloated too! I switched to a vegan protein powder + I feel great (I'm not a vegan though)

comptonelizabeth

psuLemon wrote: »

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

I tend to drink lactose free milk (I actually prefer the taste!) I seem ok with cheese and yoghurt?

My wife is similar.


Is your goal calories or protein? If the former, just add some chocolate or strawberry.

Well,I guess it's calories really! Good idea -chocolate milk is my favourite

llaurenmarie wrote: »

This happened to me when Stevia was the powder's sweetener. I don't know if you're has a sweetener or not.

No,it's an unflavoured one. That's interesting about Stevia - I was hoping that would be OK as a lot of the vegan ones are sweetened with that!

xAdorableAthene wrote: »

Whey protein makes me feel bloated too! I switched to a vegan protein powder + I feel great (I'm not a vegan though)

Which one do you use?

Cylphin60

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

Cylphin60 wrote: »

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

Here is a more thorough page about whey protein, with plenty of studies to back up their information if you care to dig that deep: https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

Thank you. Pretty sure I was also overdosing too.

Just out of curiosity, how close to your daily goal are you getting through your diet alone? I get pretty close most days, and with the lower number I'll probably hit it every day. I only use the powder those days when I'm short.

Yup- I've realised I can probably manage without,if I make the effort!

I remembered your thread and have to dive back in lol. I take back anything I said about no side effects. Talking to my better half I realized the semi chronic bloating and constipation I have started within 2 days of trying a new powder that I've been using 4-5 days a week.

It shouldn't take more than a couple of days without to find out if it's the culprit.

It's not a comfortable feeling lol.

comptonelizabeth

Oh dear,you have my sympathy! I tried it again yesterday and wham,I look 10 months pregnant. I'm 61 - it's not a good look!

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

Oh dear,you have my sympathy! I tried it again yesterday and wham,I look 10 months pregnant. I'm 61 - it's not a good look!

That's something else! I bet you can switch up what ever powder you are using. Too bad they don't offer small samples. Sometimes with these products you can contact the manufacturer and they will reimburse you for what ever you paid, even without a sales receipt. That would make the trial and error phase much less costly.

Cylphin60

comptonelizabeth wrote: »

Oh dear,you have my sympathy! I tried it again yesterday and wham,I look 10 months pregnant. I'm 61 - it's not a good look!

Not with my hairy legs no!

I'm pretty sure that's what it is, as nothing else has changed. I do feel for you and hope you find some relief very soon. I wish I knew more to offer better suggestions for you!