Consuming whey proteins can cause sensitivities in your body if you are allergic to milk or lactose intolerant. Whey protein is derived from milk and is commonly used to add protein to bars, drinks and weight-gain supplements. If you develop reactions after using whey products, call your doctor for further evaluation. Some symptoms may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction that will need to be treated by a medical professional.
Whey Protein Sensitivity
Whey protein sensitivity is another way of referring to a whey allergy. When milk curdles, the hard portion of the milk contains casein proteins and the remaining liquid contains whey. Whey is extracted from the milk and refined for use in various weight management and body-building products. If you've been diagnosed with a milk allergy, your allergy is the result of a malfunction of the immune system when interacting with either casein, whey or both proteins. The immune system fails to identify the proteins as safe for the body and unleashes an attack against them with histamine, antibodies and other chemicals, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
The chemical reaction that takes place throughout the body after consuming dairy products causes inflammation in soft tissues, which produces common food allergy symptoms. Common symptoms that may develop within a few minutes of ingesting whey proteins include skin rashes, hives, eczema, difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and swelling. If you are unable to breathe or feel your heart rate increase, call 911 because you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance can cause digestive sensitivities after consuming whey protein. Whey protein powders contain lactose, a sugar found in milk that can cause digestive difficulty for some people. While most whey protein powders do not contain large amount of lactose, you may develop common symptoms if you're severely allergic. Lactose intolerance is not the same condition as an allergy because it doesn't involve the immune system. It is caused by a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
Consideration
If you're diagnosed with a milk allergy, do not consume any product that contains whey proteins. Even a small amount can cause your body to react with a severe allergy. If a product contains whey, the manufacturer of the product is required by law to place an allergy warning on the label.
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