A few users of whey protein supplement have reported experiencing allergic reactions. These are popularly referred to as whey protein side effects. These allergic reactions have in some cases been associated indiscriminately with the whey protein ingestion and metabolism. An understanding of the mechanisms by which whey protein side effects could occur is a first step towards informing a user of whey protein supplement.

Two byproducts of whey digestion and cellular metabolism are lactose and lactalbumin. Lactalbumin is a protein molecule that can further be broken down to amino acids. Metabolism of the peptides and amino acids lead to inhibition of the function of other peptides such as glutathione. Glutathione is a tripeptide that includes a sulphur bridge and long glutamate amino acid structure. Its structure is ideal as an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants are the free radical sinks and protect the cell membranes from damage. Glutathione also serves as an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory substance. The suspected whey protein side effects are also dependant on other health status indices of an individual. Where an individual feeds on adequate alternative sources of anti-oxidant such as vitamin C and vitamin E, the chances of side effects are significantly reduced from whey protein side effects.

Although whey protein is suspected of causing the side effects, its sister protein casein is a major cause of the allergic reaction. A purer whey protein achieved all the way through thorough separation procedures would have minimal whey protein side effects.

The health benefits of whey protein also far outweigh the limited side effects. Moreover, whey protein side effects can be significantly reduced by purification and increased uptake of anti-oxidants.

In addition to having whey protein as part of your diet, you should, of course, work on various ways to get yourself in great physique. Getting that killer body you’ve always dreamed of is not easy; it requires a lot of effort and determination. To help you get on track and get those sexy six pack abs that will make heads turn your way, you should check out Todd Scott’s book, “How to Get Six Pack Abs.” His book is one of the fastest selling body building books in the market, and provides you with impressive tips about fitness training. For more insiders’ scoop about his book, please visit this link.

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.