Whey protein has all of the amino acids your body needs and often is favored by athletes and low-carb/high protein dieters. Whey protein isolate is the most concentrated and pure form of whey protein on the market, notes Jonny Bowden in "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth." In fact, it's about 90 percent protein. In contrast, whey protein concentrate's content can range from 29 to 89 percent, depending on the manufacturer, which means it contains more fat and lactose, or milk sugar. There are dangers, however, in utilizing whey protein isolate. These are mainly due to overuse.
Kidney or Liver Issues
Consuming too much protein, no matter what form, can worsen---or even cause---kidney or liver problems, advise the experts at the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because your body may have problems eliminating all of the waste products that come from protein metabolism. If you are consuming a high level of protein, you need to monitor your health and check in with a physician.
Dehydration
Many athletes prefer whey protein because its amino acids enter the bloodstream faster than those in other supplemental forms, notes Marie Dunford in the American Dietetic Association book "Sports Nutrition." However, if your protein intake is too high you risk dehydration, especially as an athlete. You should not exceed a daily protein intake of 2.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, Dunford says. That's 0.088 oz. per 2.2 pounds body weight. This level of protein intake also puts you at risk for excreting too much calcium.
Allergic Reaction
If you have a milk allergy, whey protein may be harmful. Whey, along with casein, is a milk protein. Milk allergy is more common in children than adults, though some people never outgrow this allergy or even develop it later in life. Symptoms of a milk allergy can range from mild to severe, according to the Mayo Clinic. They can include hives, vomiting, wheezing and digestive problems. A milk allergy also can lead to the severe and life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, though this is rare, say the experts at the Mayo Clinic.
Member Comments