Certain components of the human body would not play their roles in the event of protein malnutrition. Infants for example who do not obtain colostrum from the mother is likely to be infected by several diseases. The brain for example, will perform at a less normal level in the absence of adequate proteins. This can lead to memory lapses or poor intellectual abilities. Proteins are used for repairing cells and in building new blocks. Where a human body is injured, the restoration of the body parts such as broken skin normally requires supply of proteins. In view of the various roles of protein, any deficiency of protein would need to be corrected through provision of protein supplement.

Proteins get depleted through a number of processes. In the absence of adequate protein in the diet, the body converts protein from the body cells to supply other growing parts. Some health conditions contribute to protein depletion due to the imbalance between intake and use.

Whey protein supplements are additional forms of easily digestible milk proteins. Whey protein supplements contain all the beneficial components of milk.  The benefits include supply of mineral acids, fatty acids and protein in the form of large peptide compounds. The peptides are unique and each play special functions. These include bête-lactoglobulin which transports water soluble vitamins, alpha-lactalbulin which binds calcium, and many others.

Whey protein supplement are, therefore, not aimed at replacing the body’s protein but increasing their bio-availability. Use of protein supplement should not be for a long period, they only serve as short term problems.

Whey protein supplement are important for healthy living. They should, however, be taken only when the body is in critical need so as to avoid side effects.

Whey protein
is in simple terms liquid globular part of milk. It is obtained when cheese is separated from milk. Whey protein is commercially used as food supplement especially among body builders. The protein can also be used to manage protein malnutrition condition and other immune deficiencies. This is because whey protein supplement is rich in proteins, mineral salts and residual lactose. Proteins are the component of food that is used to build or repair body cells. It is the primary input in growth and development.

Proteins are large molecules which can be broken down to peptides, and further into amino acids. There are twenty amino acids that are used in formation of body parts. There are however only a few essential amino acids. Essential amino acids refer to those amino acids that cannot be manufactured by the body from other acids. The amino acids metabolism results in production of a number of metabolites that may also have side effects.

Whey proteins side effects have been investigated by several nutritional and biochemical experts. The most comprehensive pre-clinical studies have been conducted on rodents serving as guinea pigs. These studies focused on identifying whey protein side effects arising from the byproducts of its metabolism. Naturally, any protein molecule ingested is taken through the protein metabolism cycle that begins at the mouth with release of proteases. The byproducts include the carbohydrate skeletal structure, some fatty acids and peptides. The peptides are further broken down into amino acids. Some of the amino acids may form compounds with other amino acids, carbon structures and fatty acids to generate free radicals that produce negative side effects. However, every metabolism process that is aimed at releasing energy through the ATP pump, will inevitably release free radicals. The formation of undesired compounds and release of free radicals is what may be considered whey protein side effect.

Whey protein has been thought to inhibit the functions of glutathione peptide. It causes whey protein side effect by inhibiting the functions of glutathione as an anti-oxidant. The absorption of free radicals in the cell environment is therefore inhibited. Free radicals may cause side effects by ‘punching holes’ on other cell membranes.

The result of pre-clinical studies on rodents did not reveal adequate evidence to substantiate the claim that whey protein may cause side effects of the same magnitude in humans.

In conclusion, there is no substantive evidence to link whey protein supplement to side effects. It is a safe product for body builders and patients of malnutrition.