Whey protein powder is a common protein supplement that may help you to build muscle, lose weight and improve immune system function. According to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois, whey protein is generally recognized as safe when consumed as directed. However, there are some cases where whey protein may pose a slight risk in terms of side effects or potential health concerns.
Milk Allergies
Whey protein is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. If you have milk allergies or are lactose-intolerant, you may experience minor symptoms of stomach discomfort when consuming whey protein. Whey protein concentrate formulas contain the greatest amount of lactose, according to FoodReactions.org. This source states that a low-quality whey protein supplement containing 35 percent whey protein also contains about 51 to 54 percent lactose and fat. Whey protein isolates contain far less lactose and higher concentrations of protein.
Amount
McKinley Health Center recommends consuming 20 to 25 g of whey protein per day to benefit from its benefits, such as improvements in body composition, immunity function and lean muscle mass. It also states if you're an athlete, consuming as much as 40 to 50 g of whey protein per day is safe and effective. It may be unsafe or unhealthy to consume more than these recommended amounts due to the calorie and fat content of whey protein.
Fat/Cholesterol
Being that whey is derived from cow's milk, it naturally contains fats and dietary cholesterol. Consumed in excess, this may pose a health risk if you have heart disease or any other cardiovascular issue, such as high cholesterol or hypertension. The type of whey protein product highest in fat content is whey protein concentrate, according to the Dairy Council of California. It can contain as much as 9 percent fat and over 50 percent lactose by weight. Whey protein isolate contains far less fat, so it may be a better choice in case you're monitoring your fat intake.
Long Term Effects
McKinley Health Center notes no major health risks associated with whey protein consumption for most people; however, there are no long-term studies, as of May 2011, to prove that consuming whey protein regularly is safe or poses no major health concerns. To be safe, consult your doctor about proper dosage and how long you should take whey protein.
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