Protein Powder

Annadel
Annadel Posts: 146 Member
Hi All

I have never used protein powder before. I have read a lot of negative things about it. heavy metal, bad for liver
Pls let me know if you have suggestions or is my fear unreasonable ? I really need to up my protein as am a vegetarian.

Thanks

Replies

  • misskerouac
    misskerouac Posts: 2,242 Member
    I'm not an expert, but if you currently aren't getting enough protein then your liver should be fine, protein powder will only put strain on your liver and kidneys if you are taking in a LOT of protein. My naturopath actually put me on one type of rice protein to help my liver. I'm also using another rice protein some gym days because I was taken off dairy, eggs, and soy so my daily protein intake was really low.
  • kari574
    kari574 Posts: 99 Member
    I saw a chart somewhere that listed the metals in different protein powders. Most were quite low, though still had a little bit. There were several, all by Muscle Milk I think it was, that were very close to the federal limits, much higher than all the others. There's probably a way you could google that.
  • kenscarlson
    kenscarlson Posts: 24 Member
    Get something with whey isolate as first ingredient and what ever you end up chosing buy it on amazon. If your serious about protein powder you'll be going through a lot of it and it get expensive quick. slickdeals.com also. Search for "whey" and look at the ones that have a lot of user thumbs up.
  • rcramer7
    rcramer7 Posts: 138 Member
    I use "on 100% whey". It's 89% protien by weight and it's healthier than a cup of milk! Why? Because it IS MILK!!!!!!!

    Do some research before you tell people false information.

    Whey is one of the protiens found in milk. Casien is the other. Whey has had the majority of fat, lactose and other "not so healthy" stuff removed. That's ALL it is. Protien.

    It's used in infant formula, elderly products to promote bone growth, helps maintain blood sugar for diabetics, is in protien bars and 5 million other products. Not to mention milk anything!

    The only thing you have to look for is who make the protien powder and what they added to cheapen it up. Slimfast? not good. Whey isolate or blend with low cals and fat, high amino acid? good
  • douglasmobbs
    douglasmobbs Posts: 563 Member
    Your choice of protein will depend on what you want it to do.

    I have quickly become a very big fan of casein protein. It is a slow release protein so more suitable as helping with a general base level throughout the day rather than the quick post workout boost that whey gives you.

    Again it is a milk product so is fine and healthy, I second rcramer7 advice about checking what else is added, I also buy on protein.

    There are loads of fun ways to have the protein as well, you do not need to stick to milkshakes.
  • I have the same problem getting enough protein because I'm a vegetarian, too :D

    I tried protein powder, and it really helped boost the amount I could take in, but I never went seriously over MFP levels, so I don't think that it would be detrimental to your health. If you're getting the right amount, there shouldn't be a problem.

    I tried the Lucozade Pro Sport Protein Powder as a taster because the box was small and I though it was really good.

    Now, I have ordered Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey from Amazon, which seems like a very good deal. I've yet to try it but it has good reviews. Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002DYIZH6/ref=oh_o01_s01_i00_details
    And there are the ingredients :
    Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides), cocoa (processed with alkali), artifical flavor, lecithin, acesulfame potassium, Aminogen, Lactase

    Hope this helps :)