Whey protein is a natural protein found in cow's milk that is freeze dried and used in powdered form in shakes, bars and other protein-enriched products. Diarrhea is not a common side effect of using whey protein; however, if you develop this condition after consuming products that contain whey protein, avoid them altogether until you can be seen by a physician -- as this may be a sign of a more serious health issue. The most common conditions that can cause diarrhea from using any amount of whey protein are lactose intolerance, milk intolerance or a milk allergy. See your doctor to diagnose if you have any of these conditions.
Milk Allergy
Diarrhea from whey protein may be related to a milk allergy, which can prompt gastric symptoms to develop within minutes of consuming whey. In certain people, whey causes the immune system to react as if the body were under attack. During a milk allergy, the immune system mistakes whey protein as a dangerous substance, although it is safe for human consumption. The body fights against the whey proteins by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies, or IgE, according to MayoClinic.com. IgE antibodies in the bloodstream cause mast cells located in soft tissue to produce histamine. This leads to inflammation and swelling in soft tissue, such as the lining of your intestines, and causes diarrhea.
Milk Intolerance
Milk intolerance differs from a milk allergy in that it is not caused by the immune system. Milk intolerance occurs when your intestines don't produce the appropriate enzymes to digest the proteins in milk. Every protein needs to be simplified before it can be absorbed by the body. If you don't produce the enzyme needed to digest whey, the protein remains undigested, causing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. Unlike a milk allergy, diarrhea from milk intolerance may not develop until a few hours after consuming whey.
Lactose Intolerance
According to the Whey Protein Institute, whey protein contains 0.1 g of lactose per teaspoon of whey powder. If you're lactose intolerant, you may develop diarrhea after consuming whey proteins that contain lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. If you're intolerant of lactose, your intestines don't' produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the sugar in a simpler form.
Treatment
If diarrhea from whey protein is the result of a milk allergy or milk intolerance, you will need eliminate milk and all products that contain whey protein from your diet. If the diarrhea stems from lactose intolerance, you can take a lactase enzyme supplement to prevent diarrhea from starting in the first place.
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