Milk Allergies and Whey Protein Isolate

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http://www.livestrong.com/article/345111-whey-protein-isolate-milk-allergies/

WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE & MILK ALLERGIES


Dec 29, 2010 | By Diane Marks


Whey protein isolate is used in many body building and sports supplements, drinks and food products. Whey is a protein found in cow's milk that is processed into a powder form. Whey protein isolate should not be consumed by someone with a milk allergy. If you are allergic to milk, your immune system malfunctions when you ingest whey or casein proteins found in milk. Although you may have been diagnosed with a casein allergy and not a whey allergy, you should still abstain from consuming whey because of the risk of cross-contamination.

MILK PROTEINS
Cow's milk consists of two parts -- curd and whey. Curd is the chunky substance that forms in the cheese-making process or when milk turns sour. Curd makes up about 80 percent of cow's milk and contains several proteins called caseins. The remaining part of the milk is the liquid part of the milk that contains whey proteins. You may be allergic to one or both of the proteins, although you should avoid both.

ALLERGIC REACTION
If you're allergic to milk and you consume whey protein isolate, your body doesn't recognize the proteins in whey as a safe substance. The immune system responds by creating specific antibodies to fight off the suspected whey protein. This begins a chain-reaction in the body that causes various chemicals to be released. Histamine is created and released in soft tissue throughout the body, causing irritation and inflammation. The inflammation that transpires is what leads to most allergy symptoms.

SYMPTOMS
The severity of symptoms will vary with each individual and will typically develop within a few minutes or within a few hours. The most prevalent symptoms after consuming whey protein isolate that will form are vomiting, hives and wheezing. Other symptoms that may develop alongside these primary ones are diarrhea, abdominal cramping, runny nose, watery eyes, loose stools, itchy skin, tingling around the mouth, chest tightness and coughing. If you have been diagnosed with a milk allergy, you are at a higher risk of experiencing anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction. Talk with your doctor if you develop extreme symptoms.

TREATMENT
Treating a milk allergy begins with a medical diagnosis from a doctor. Once diagnosed, you should avoid all dairy products, including whey protein isolate. You can substitute the protein supplement with a soy-based or vegetable-based protein supplement. Antihistamines may be used to treat minor allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, a runny nose and itchy skin. If you have a known severe allergy to milk, ask your doctor if you should carry an epinephrine pen with you everywhere.

Article reviewed by Helen Covington Last updated on: Dec 29, 2010


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