Whey protein side effects?
comptonelizabeth
Posts: 1,701 Member
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.
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.
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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.1 -
I've never had any side effects from protein supps. Maybe back off if all else has remained equal and see if symptoms persist?1
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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 !0
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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.2
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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-200605323 -
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 link1 -
Ps wow,the maya clinic link is interesting and for one thing it looks like I've been taking more than they recommend.1
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Well maybe you can give your gut a little time to calm down and introduce it in very small amounts. Glad it was helpful1
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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/4
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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/
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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.0 -
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.0 -
comptonelizabeth 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.
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ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken 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/protein2 -
comptonelizabeth 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.3 -
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).1 -
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.1 -
comptonelizabeth 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!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!1 -
comptonelizabeth 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.
Yup- I've realised I can probably manage without,if I make the effort!0
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