If you take any medications or supplements regularly, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting to use whey protein. This is because it may interact with certain antibiotics and medications, such as alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis or levodopa for Parkinson's disease. Taking antibiotics within two hours before or four to six hours after consuming whey protein can help to avoid any potential interactions. Research has suggested that high protein intake may be linked to osteoporosis.
However, more recent studies have indicated that following a high-protein diet may not have a negative effect on bone health, and may even be beneficial. It is important to note that the majority of articles connecting whey protein to negative health effects were based on chronic and excessive use of the supplement, with the kidneys and liver being the main organs affected. Additionally, a malleable matrix composed of fermented whey proteins and lactic acid bacteria has been found to have anti-inflammatory potential in an atopic dermatitis model. Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is not essential for whey-induced satiety, but it may play a role in regulating energy intake through cholecystokinin (CCK). Studies have also demonstrated that whey protein has hepatoprotective effects on D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis and liver fibrosis in rats.
Furthermore, research has shown that whey protein supplementation can improve physical and cognitive performance, as well as reduce the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children with severe neurological impairment. Whey protein has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties when combined with serum peptide and exercise therapy in patients with COPD. Additionally, the source of protein, the amount consumed, and the time of consumption all play a role in determining the effect of proteins on short-term food intake in young men. Physicochemical characterization of mozzarella cheese serums and wastewater compared to several other sweet lactoserums has also been studied. Whey protein supplementation associated with resistance training has been found to increase muscle strength, hypertrophy, and muscle quality in preconditioned older women. Furthermore, the combined intake of leucine with protein does not further increase the rates of muscle protein synthesis after exercise in elderly men.
Differential stimulation of muscle protein synthesis in elderly humans after isocaloric ingestion of amino acids or whey protein has also been studied. Whey protein supplementation has been found to improve physical performance and body composition in soldiers in initial training in the army, as well as increase lean body mass and improve performance in Division III college basketball players. Additionally, endurance cycling tests have shown that the intake of casein proteins and whey carbohydrate beverages can aid recovery.
