Whey protein is a nutritional supplement you can use as an athlete to help build and repair your muscle, as a dieter to maintain your protein intake while restricting calories or as a busy individual to add essential amino acids to your diet quickly and conveniently. Although the protein in whey supplements is not itself poisonous, toxins may contaminate the product during the manufacturing process. For safety, consult with your health care provider or a dietitian before you add whey to your meal plan.
Background
Whey and casein are the two predominant proteins in milk. Whey, comprising 20 percent of the total milk protein, adds value to your diet because it is a complete protein, meaning it supplies your body with all the amino acid building blocks you are not able to synthesize. Your body digests and absorbs whey protein more quickly than any other protein. In addition, whey is rich in leucine, isoleucine and valine, also known as the branched-chain amino acids. These three amino acids absorb directly into your muscle tissue to help your muscles repair and rebuild after a strenuous workout. Despite its benefits, however, whey protein supplements carry the risk of contamination with poisons.
Contamination
The process of isolating whey proteins for nutritional supplements may introduce contaminants to the final product. For example, the heavy metals cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic tainted at least one sample from every protein drink investigators tested, according to the July 2010 issue of "Consumer Reports." In sufficient quantities, these toxins are poisonous when they accumulate in your organs. Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not monitor nutritional supplements, whey protein powder you purchase may contain contaminants not noted on the label.
Other Disadvantages
While the protein in supplements is not inherently toxic, it carries drawbacks in addition to its potential for exposing you to poisons. For example, replacing all the whole-food sources of protein in your diet with whey supplements may lead you to suffer a nutritional deficiency. Protein-dense foods supply your diet with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals along with protein, while whey supplements do not. Whey supplements may also contain lactose, the milk sugar that causes digestive upset if you are intolerant to this carbohydrate.
Considerations
Because whole-food sources of protein provide you with all the amino acids you need and may be less expensive than whey, the toxic risks associated with protein supplements may not be worth the convenience they offer. Buying supplements from a reputable dealer may lessen your risk but does not guarantee either the quality or purity of the protein. If you choose to include whey in your diet, limiting your consumption of this supplement helps minimize your potential exposure to contaminating poisons.
References
- Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service; Protein and the Body; Janice Hermann
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center; Creatine and Whey Protein Supplements; December 2008
- ConsumerReports.org; Alert: Protein Drinks; July 2010
- Beginner Triathlete; The Athlete's Kitchen; Building Muscles; Nancy Clark
