Also indexed as: Protein (Whey)
What does it do?
Whey protein is a mixture of some of the proteins naturally found in milk. The major
proteins found in whey protein include beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. Whey protein
has one of the highest protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores (PDCAAS; a measure of
protein bioavailability) and is more rapidly digested than other proteins, such as casein
(another milk protein). 1
Alpha-lactalbumin is a whey protein high in the amino
acid tryptophan, which the body uses to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. A
double-blind study found that supplementing the diet with alpha-lactalbumin helped improve
scores on a memory test in people who were vulnerable to experiencing problems with
stress.2 The researchers speculated that the alpha-lactalbumin raised brain
serotonin levels in these subjects, which may have improved their tolerance to stress.
Where is it found?
During the process of making milk into cheese, whey protein is separated from the milk. This whey
protein is then incorporated into ice cream, bread, canned soup, infant formulas, and other food
products. Supplements containing whey protein are also available.
Whey protein has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
People who do not include dairy foods in their diets do not consume whey protein. However,
the amino acids in whey protein are available from other sources, and a deficiency of these
amino acids is unlikely.
People who do not include dairy foods in their
diets do not consume whey protein. However, the amino
acids in whey protein are available from other sources, and a deficiency of these amino
acids is unlikely. In fact, most Americans consume too much, rather than too little,
protein.
How much is usually taken?
Some benefits of whey protein have been demonstrated with as little as 20 grams per day.
For athletes in training a commonly used
amount is 25 grams of whey protein per day, and shouldn’t exceed 1.2 grams per 2.2
pounds body weight. Most clinical research has used similar amounts of whey protein.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
People who are allergic to dairy products could react to whey protein and should,
therefore, avoid it.3 As with protein in general, long-term, excessive intake may
be associated with deteriorating kidney function and possibly osteoporosis. However, neither
kidney nor bone problems have been directly associated with consumption of whey protein, and
the other dietary sources of protein typically contribute more protein to the diet than does
whey protein. The possibility that certain proteins in milk may contribute to the development
of diabetes in children is controversial. But since whey proteins include some of the same
milk proteins, people who are avoiding milk because of concerns about the risk of diabetes
should not consume whey protein either.
People who are allergic to dairy products could react to whey protein and should,
therefore, avoid it. As with protein in general, long-term, excessive intake may be associated
with deteriorating kidney function and possibly
osteoporosis. However, neither kidney nor bone problems have been directly associated with
whey protein, and the other dietary sources of protein typically contribute more protein to
the diet than does whey protein.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with whey protein.
References
1. Dangin M, Boirie Y, Guillet C, Beaufrere B. Influence of the protein
digestion rate on protein turnover in young and elderly subjects. J Nutr
2002;132:3228S–33S [review].
2. Markus CR, Olivier B, de Haan EH. Whey protein rich in
alpha-lactalbumin increases the ratio of plasma tryptophan to the sum of the other large
neutral amino acids and improves cognitive performance in stress-vulnerable subjects. Am J
Clin Nutr 2002;75:1051–6.
3. Wal JM. Cow's milk proteins/allergens. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol
2002;89(6 Suppl 1):3–10.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
