Whey protein is the protein contained in whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese.
Whey protein is commonly used for improving athletic performance and increasing strength.
How does it work?
Whey protein is a source of protein that might improve the nutrient content of the diet. Whey protein might also have effects on the immune system.
Uses:
(Effective= 10/10) (Can be Effective 9/10) (Insufficient Evidence 8/10)
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- Athletic performance 9/10
- Eczema 9/10
- A condition associated with an increased risk for developing allergic reactions (atopic disease) 9/10
- Weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS 9/10
- Red, scaly skin (plaque psoriasis) 9/10
- Muscle loss in the elderly 8/10
- Asthma 8/10
- Cancer 8/10
- Memory and thinking skills (cognitive function 8/10
- Cystic fibrosis 8/10
- Diabetes 8/10
- Asthma caused by exercise 8/10
- Muscle damage caused by exercise
- Liver disease (hepatitis) 8/10
- HIV/AIDS 8/10
- Infections developed while in the hospital 8/10
- High cholesterol 8/10
- High blood pressure
- Muscular disease (mitochondrial myopathies 8/10
- Liver disease not due to alcohol use 8/10
- Parkinson’s disease 8/10
- An ovary disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome 8/10
- Aching and stiffness caused by inflammation (polymyalgia rheumatica) 8/10
- Weight loss 8/10
- Other conditions 8/10
Side Effects & Safety
Whey protein is LIKELY SAFE for most children and adults when taken by mouth appropriately. High doses can cause some side effects such as increased bowel movements, nausea, thirst, bloating, cramps, reduced appetite, tiredness (fatigue), and headache.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking whey protein if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Milk allergy: If you are allergic to cow’s milk, avoid using whey protein.
Interactions
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination!
- Levodopa interacts with WHEY PROTEIN
Whey protein might decrease how much levodopa the body absorbs. By decreasing how much levodopa the body absorbs, whey protein might decrease the effectiveness of levodopa. Do not take whey protein and levodopa at the same time.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination!
- Alendronate (Fosamax) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN
Whey protein can decrease how much alendronate (Fosamax) the body absorbs. Taking whey protein and alendronate (Fosamax) at the same time can decrease the effectiveness of alendronate (Fosamax). Don’t take whey protein within two hours of taking alendronate (Fosamax).
- Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN
Whey protein might decrease how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking whey protein along with some antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics. To avoid this interaction take whey protein supplements at least one hour after antibiotics.<br/><br/> Some of these antibiotics that might interact with whey protein include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).
- Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with WHEY PROTEIN
Whey protein contains calcium. The calcium in whey protein can attach to tetracyclines in the stomach. This decreases the amount of tetracyclines that can be absorbed. Taking calcium with tetracyclines might decrease the effectiveness of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction take whey protein two hours before or four hours after taking tetracyclines.<br/><br/> Some tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
OTHER NAME(S):
Bovine Whey Protein Concentrate, Concentré de Protéine de Petit-Lait Bovin, Fraction de Lactosérum, Fraction de Petit-Lait, Goat Milk Whey, Goat Whey, Isolat de Protéine de Lactosérum, Isolat de Protéine de Petit-Lait, Lactosérum de Lait de Chèvre, MBP, Milk Protein, Milk Protein Isolate, Mineral Whey Concentrate, Proteínas del Suero de la Leche, Protéine de Lactosérum, Protéine de Lait, Protéine de Petit-Lait, Whey, Whey Fraction, Whey Peptides, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Whey Protein Isolate, WPC, WPI.<br/><br/> Resourced: WebMD
