Whey Protein Side Effects

Whey protein is a sort of concentrated protein obtained from whey. But what is whey?, Well it is a by product yielded out of cheese made from cow milk. The chemical composition of whey protein consists of alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and serum albumin. It is also said to be the protein with the highest biological value in the protein family. Whey protein is a popular product amongst the body building enthusiasts. The reason behind this is that it is a form of protein and as all of you know, protein helps in muscle building! Obviously, only to a certain extent! I am sure you might be thinking of rushing to the store and buying whey protein. But wait and also understand the flip side of it; the whey protein side effects. It so happens that, with an aim to grow muscles quickly, people tend to exceed the consumption of whey protein. Excess of whey protein can have harmful side effects. Explore the side effects of whey protein.

Whey Protein Side Effects

All the side effects that whey protein causes, are on account of its over consumption.

Damage to the Liver
Over consumption of whey protein causes damage to the liver. Some experts believe that, when you consume whey protein in excess quantities, it exerts a lot of pressure on the liver. The pressure exerted to assimilate proteins in the liver, damages it. Over-consumption of any of the proteins in a haphazard manner has negative side effects. The liver is designed by nature in such a way, that it is able to assimilate only a limited amount of proteins. So stay alert and avoid over consumption.

Effect on Kidneys
Excess of whey protein can also result in the malfunctioning of kidneys. People consuming whey protein in excess quantities and that too for many years, could develop a problem in their kidney leading to a malfunctioning kidney. It also is believed to form kidney stones. Over consumption of whey protein could lead to rise in the levels of phosphorus and calcium, which result in the formation of kidney stones.

Allergy
Lactose is one the principal contents of milk and all milk products. Some people are intolerant to lactose and therefore cannot digest milk and its products. Now, whey protein is also a milk product and it is obvious that also it contains lactose. Therefore, some people develop an allergy against whey protein and find it difficult to digest. However, the lactose content is so small that the allergic reactions are not that severe.

Osteoporosis
Consumption of excess amounts of whey protein, results in the development of osteoporosis. It is believed that whey protein in excess, leads to mineral imbalance in the bones and further results in a decrease in bone density. This in turn causes osteoporosis.

Excess of anything is dangerous and whey protein is not an exception to it. After all, it is a dietary supplement. Therefore, a balanced diet with the right quantity of all the nutrients and regular exercise are together the key to your health and wellness. Except for allergies, all the above mentioned whey protein side effects are probable as none of them is scientifically proved. Besides being vital for muscle building, it has also proved beneficial in fat loss, in preventing dangerous diseases such as cancer and in increasing immunity. Yes, I would now say that go and buy yourself whey protein!, but see an expert dietitian before that and get that 'right quantity' prescribed.