Some safety issues arise when taking protein supplements, especially when consumed in large quantities over the long term. Eating too much protein puts unnecessary pressure on the kidneys. The main side effects of consuming a large amount of protein powder are digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and cramps. If you have any food sensitivities, be sure to read the label first.
The analysis of research papers revealed that when people consumed protein supplements with meals, they tended to adjust the number of calories they consumed at mealtime to take into account the calories from protein supplements. Whey protein concentrate promotes the production of glutathione (GSH) by GSH reductase in the PC12 cell line after acute exposure to ethanol. Hepatoprotective effects of whey protein on hepatitis and liver fibrosis induced by D-galactosamine in rats. The other studies related whey protein to the aggravation of aggressiveness, the presence of acne and the modification of the microbiota.
The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) for protein is 0.36 grams of protein per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight per day. Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese people. Effects of alcohol-induced whey protein concentrate (WPC) pretreated with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on oxidative damage. Most research shows that healthy people can tolerate up to 1.5 grams of protein per pound (3.3 grams per kg) of body weight per day, in both food and protein supplements, with no side effects.
Whey protein supplementation and higher total protein intake do not influence bone quantity in overweight or obese adults after a 36-week dietary and exercise intervention. To date, there is no evidence that consuming protein powder or protein-rich foods is harmful to bone, liver, or kidney health. Effect of age on the responses of blood glucose and plasma insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, CCK, GIP and GLP-1 to whey protein ingestion. Effects of long-term whey protein supplementation on plasma glutathione levels in HIV-infected patients.
In fact, a study found that many protein powders contained low-cost proteins, such as chicken, rice and soybeans (1). In Wister rats, a diet rich in whey protein reduces body weight gain and impairs insulin sensitivity compared to red meat. Most of the articles associated this harmful effect with the chronic and abusive use of whey protein, with the kidneys and liver being the main organs affected. Animal protein powders are usually composed of two milk proteins called whey and casein, with whey being the most popular.