Whey protein is the protein from whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. It is commonly used as a protein supplement.
Whey protein might improve the nutrient content of the diet and also have effects on the immune system.
People commonly use whey protein for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is also used for asthma, diabetes, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Uses and Effectiveness
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
The effectiveness ratings for WHEY PROTEIN are as follows:
Possibly effective for…
- Athletic performance. Regularly consuming whey protein by mouth while also regularly exercising increases muscle strength and athletic performance. But it seems that both must be done consistently to see benefits.
Possibly ineffective for…
- A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking whey protein by mouth doesn’t seem to help COPD symptoms.
- Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking whey protein by mouth for up to 2 years doesn’t improve bone density in older adults.
There is interest in using whey protein for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Safety and Side Effects
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if whey protein is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Whey protein is likely safe for children when used in amounts commonly found in food or when included in infant formulas.
Milk allergy: If you are allergic to cow’s milk, avoid using whey protein.
Interactions with Medications
- Levodopa
- Whey protein might decrease how much levodopa the body absorbs. This might decrease the effects of levodopa. Do not take whey protein and levodopa at the same time.
- Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics)
- Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.
- Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics)
- Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.
- Bisphosphonates
- Whey protein can decrease the effects of bisphosphates. To avoid this interaction, take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before whey or, preferably, at a different time of day.
Interactions with Herbs and Supplements
- There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with Foods
- There are no known interactions with foods.
Dosage
Other Names
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, ProteÃnas 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.
Source: MedlinePlus