Whey Protein powder supplements have become an increasingly popular product over the past years, the benefits are so well documented in fact that there are movements to classify whey protein as a superfood, because of its benefits boosting metabolism, repairing soft tissue and aiding weight loss.  

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is derived from Milk, it is separated from milk during the cheese-making process.

There are three main types of whey protein however, today, we will be referring to whey protein concentrate, as this is the most common type of whey protein.

Whey Protein is a complete source of protein, meaning it contains a full amino acid.

Amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that play many critical roles in your body. They're needed for vital processes like the building of proteins and synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Your body cannot make essential amino acids so it is important to get an adequate amount from your diet.

Dangers of whey protein?

Whey protein itself is safe to consume for many individuals without any adverse effects. It is not, in fact, the protein made up of amino acids that cause the issues, but the food source where the whey protein is found that can cause problems.

For individuals that are lactose intolerant or have an allergy to milk, their allergy is to lactose and to A2 casein, sugar and another type of protein found in milk, that causes an onset of inflammation and physical problems. In this instance, consuming milk wouldn’t be a good idea, but the whey protein from milk probably wouldn’t cause an issue. There are even some proteins that are lactose or gluten-free for this reason, such as PNI Lean Shake Plus and Applied Nutrition Critical Whey.

Overall, if you’re worried about consuming whey itself as a protein source to supplement with your exercise for muscle growth and recovery, then you should only really be concerned if you have any allergies that come with milk; if you don’t have an allergy, whey is some of the highest quality and bioavailable proteins you can consume, and with most major sports companies using whey as their protein source in protein powder, you have a lot of scope for choice. Alternatively, lactose-free proteins or vegan protein powders are also a fine choice to steer clear altogether of milk-derived protein sources.