Is protein powder unhealthy?

[lifter25]

I've heard some people say that consuming protein powder everyday is bad for your health, especially your kidneys. Is this true at all?

[Diesel0022]

Is eating steak, chicken, milk, nuts or fish bad for your health?

[lifter25]

Is eating steak, chicken, milk, nuts or fish bad for your health?

But isn't protein powder more of an unnatural processed source?

[Diesel0022]

But isn't protein powder more of an unnatural processed source?

How do you figure? They extract it from milk

[Valhallabound86]

But isn't protein powder more of an unnatural processed source?

Protein powder creation is basically concentrating milk proteins and/or isolating the proteins from other compounds in the milk mixture. For the most part, it's interchangeable with other protein sources. You can argue protein "completeness", but overall it'll achieve the same result as eating 4 oz chicken or so.

[Black_Label]

as a part of a balanced diet there is nothing to be concerned of as long as the product is of quality

[Hard3x9]

Protein powder = food in a jug

Too many people are concerned about how this "powder" substance might harm them. It is no more harmful than eating meat.

Conversely, protein powders are not magic supplements meant to give shocking results either. We hear too many people asking questions like "how much muscle can I expect to gain if I cycle 'brand X' protein powder?"

It is just protein, dried to a powder form so that it can be easily stored and reconstituted.

Protein powder = food in a jug

[Celorza]

I've heard some people say that consuming protein powder everyday is bad for your health, especially your kidneys. Is this true at all?

Not true, just a waste of money if you are using it as a way to get your Macro Nutrient requirements. If it is used as a treat or as flavoring for cooking...well I guess it's acceptable, but it is not bad for your health at all...

[Hyruliangoat]

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS


Out of all the things the fitness community is bashed for, the use of a high protein diet seems to be one of the top ones. Many will talk about the “dangers” to having a high protein diet, saying that the kidneys and liver especially will be damaged under those conditions. Coincidentally enough the majority of people who say this are also ones who consume alcohol quite frequently…
Protein intake for the athlete and the upper tolerable limit for protein has been studied very extensively. The International Society of Sports Nutrition states 4 things about this controversy. [17]

1) “Vast research supports the contention that individuals engaged in regular exercise training require more dietary protein than sedentary individual” [17]

2)“Protein intakes of 1.4 – 2.0 g/kg/day for physically active individuals is not only safe, but may improve the training adaptations to exercise training” [17]

3) “When part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, protein intakes at this level are not detrimental to kidney function or bone metabolism in healthy, active persons.” [17]

4) “While it is possible for physically active individuals to obtain their daily protein requirements through a varied, regular diet, supplemental protein in various forms are a practical way of ensuring adequate and quality protein intake for athletes” [17]

Kidneys

• The ISSN states that multiple studies on individuals with high risk factors for diseases showed NO signs of renal damage, even in those who are at risk for kidney disease. [17]
  
  
• 65 overweight individuals on a high protein diet showed no signs of kidney damage over a 6 month period. Keep in mind, this is a good sign considering obesity is generally accompanied by impaired function of the kidneys. [18]
  
  
• Another study conducted by Poortsmans and Dellalieux (2000) concluded that a protein diet containing “~1.4–1.9 g/kg/day or 170–243% of the “recommended dietary allowance” failed to cause kidney problems in athletes. [19]
  
  
• Another study failed to show signs of renal damage when athletes consumed 2. 8 g/kg of protein. Much higher than the recommended amount of protein one should consume. [20]

LIVER

• Chinapatarux et al. (2009) found that in patients with NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatits, which I might add is more prevalent than people think and can lead to cirrohsis), supplementation of 20g of whey for 12 weeks led to a significant reduction in ALT and AST liver values. This is contrary to the claims that protein supplementation will damage the liver. [21]
  
  [21]
  
  
• Bortolatti et al. (2010) found that supplementation of 60g of whey for 4 weeks led to lower cholesterol/triglycerides and improved liver function in obese women with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is important to note the effect on cholesterol as hypercholesterolemia is usually associated with elevated liver enzymes. Obesity also is a risk factor for high cholesterol [22]
  
  
• In a research review by Manninen (2004), the following was stated. “AHA Nutrition Committee suggests that high-protein intake may have detrimental effects on liver function. However, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever supporting this contention.” [23]

[koard31]

Not true, just a waste of money if you are using it as a way to get your Macro Nutrient requirements. If it is used as a treat or as flavoring for cooking...well I guess it's acceptable, but it is not bad for your health at all...

What if the cooking you're mixing it into is to help get to your macro levels? Does it pass your review as being acceptable?

LOL at waste of money.....

[tanen33]

I've heard some people say that consuming protein powder everyday is bad for your health, especially your kidneys. Is this true at all?

lol no its not those people are crazy

[Celorza]

What if the cooking you're mixing it into is to help get to your macro levels? Does it pass your review as being acceptable?

LOL at waste of money.....

Unless you have a certain degree in Nutrition or a study that proves me that Protein Powder can trump real food protein sources, then you better watch the way you answer...It is a waste to be buying them for the sole reason of macro nutrient allotment-fulfilling purposes...As an "extra" or a "treat" then I see its use and somehow justify the psychological crutch-need some people have on them, but Nutrition Wise, they are a sad way of COMPLETING a diet...

[Diesel0022]

Unless you have a certain degree in Nutrition or a study that proves me that Protein Powder can trump real food protein sources, then you better watch the way you answer...It is a waste to be buying them for the sole reason of macro nutrient allotment-fulfilling purposes...As an "extra" or a "treat" then I see its use and somehow justify the psychological crutch-need some people have on them, but Nutrition Wise, they are a sad way of COMPLETING a diet...

This isn't AM, people don't have respect over here.

[powercage]

Gold Feast because it's the closest to real food on the market.

[Hyruliangoat]

Unless you have a certain degree in Nutrition or a study that proves me that Protein Powder can trump real food protein sources, then you better watch the way you answer...It is a waste to be buying them for the sole reason of macro nutrient allotment-fulfilling purposes...As an "extra" or a "treat" then I see its use and somehow justify the psychological crutch-need some people have on them, but Nutrition Wise, they are a sad way of COMPLETING a diet...

whey has health benefits that eating a steak does not/10

[Rodzilla01]

In b4 Melvin...

[Celorza]

This isn't AM, people don't have respect over here.

Yeah I just noticed... sadpanda.jpg

whey has health benefits that eating a steak does not/10

Then Milk is your friend , steak has micro nutrients and amino acids that whey doesn't, along with healthy fats for the system (given the % of the meat that is...)

[powercage]

Micronutrients are too small to matter. That's why macronutrients are more important.

Big nutrients = big muscles

[Diesel0022]

Micronutrients are too small to matter. That's why macronutrients are more important.

Big nutrients = big muscles

lol

[gottalift78]

But isn't protein powder more of an unnatural processed source?

it depends what unhealthy means to you.. Protein powders hold fillers and artificial flavors and sweeteners. Beef and chicken ( regular from organic ) has who knows the amount of hormons, antibiotics etc.

It's just how you look at it. I try to stay away from a lot of artificial flavors most of the time.

[Hyruliangoat]

Yeah I just noticed... sadpanda.jpg

Then Milk is your friend , steak has micro nutrients and amino acids that whey doesn't, along with healthy fats for the system (given the % of the meat that is...)

whey has a superior amino acid profile and most powders have a full complex of vit/minerals added or a decent one

[Celorza]

Micronutrients are too small to matter. That's why macronutrients are more important.

Big nutrients = big muscles

I take it this was sarcasm

lol

Ditto hahaha

whey has a superior amino acid profile and most powders have a full complex of vit/minerals added or a decent one

Wow this just cracked me up even more! hahaha.

[Dewey99]

What if your protein powder has O-rings in it?

[Hyruliangoat]

I take it this was sarcasm

Ditto hahaha

Wow this just cracked me up even more! hahaha.

[6]
[6][/center]
As you can see above, there are quite a few health benefits associated with the contents of whey, now let’s take a look at some of the specific benefits of whey as a whole.

Immune System Enhancement

-Glutathione plays a major role in the immune system, as it acts as an antioxidant preventing against oxidative stress and allows for lymphocyte secretion. [7] GSH also plays a key part of various regulatory and metabolic processes, involving cell signaling and maintenance of homeostasis.[8] Depletion of GSH has been linked to numerous abnormalities including but not limited to, cancer, parkinson’s disease, HIV, hepatitis, Cystic fibrosis, and even death. [7] Certain foods and supplements can be taken to influence levels of GSH with whey protein being one of the stronger influences as it contains high content of cystiene which is required to synthesize GSH. [7]

• Zavorsky et al. (2007) found that consumption of 45g of whey a day for 2 weeks in healthy individuals increased GSH concentrations by 24 percent, Consumption of 30g resulted in a minor elevation GSH, and consumption of 15g showed no significant change. [9]
  
  
• Micke et al. (2001) found that HIV patients supplementing with whey resulted in a 32 percent increase in plasma GSH concentrations within a 2 week period. Those who suffer from HIV are severely GSH deficient, these findings may prove useful in future treatment for restoration of the impaired immune system in HIV patients. [10]
  
  
• Kent et al. (2003) found that whey successfully protected prostate cells from apoptosis (cell destruction) and increased intracellular GSH concentrations by 64 percent, and was raised even further to 92 percent after 12 hours of treatment. [11]

Preventative to Hypertension

-Individuals diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure), have a blood pressure of roughly 140/90 mmHg or above. [12] Depending on the severity and cause, drugs (ace inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, vasodilators, etc [13]) may end up needing to be used. But Generally exercise (usually accompanied by weight loss) and dietary adjustments can serve as treatment, but sometimes this is not enough as genetics and other risk factors play a significant role, some people being more prone to hypertension than others. A minor dietary adjustment of the inclusion of whey protein and the shift to a high protein may be a possible approach to keeping hypertension under control.[12] Interestingly enough, a study conducted on 6,496 Japanese-American men found a negative relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressures and total protein consumption. [14]

[13][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Hyruliangoat;813528571]

• Fluegal et al. (2010) found that supplementation of 28g of whey decreased Systolic bp by 8.0 mmhg in hypertensive young adults and 3.8 mmhg in subjects with only high systolic bp. Also diastolic bp was lowered by 8.3mmhg and mean arterial pressure was lowered by 6.4mmhg. [15]
  
  
• Pins et al. (2007) found that subjects ingesting 20g of whey resulted in an11mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a 7mmHg drop in diastolic blood pressure within 1 week of treatment. [16]

you were saying?

if you want to crack up even more go ahead and compare the aa profile of whey to meat, thatll be a real knee slapper!

[Celorza]

[6]
[6][/center]
As you can see above, there are quite a few health benefits associated with the contents of whey, now let’s take a look at some of the specific benefits of whey as a whole.

Immune System Enhancement

-Glutathione plays a major role in the immune system, as it acts as an antioxidant preventing against oxidative stress and allows for lymphocyte secretion. [7] GSH also plays a key part of various regulatory and metabolic processes, involving cell signaling and maintenance of homeostasis.[8] Depletion of GSH has been linked to numerous abnormalities including but not limited to, cancer, parkinson’s disease, HIV, hepatitis, Cystic fibrosis, and even death. [7] Certain foods and supplements can be taken to influence levels of GSH with whey protein being one of the stronger influences as it contains high content of cystiene which is required to synthesize GSH. [7]

• Zavorsky et al. (2007) found that consumption of 45g of whey a day for 2 weeks in healthy individuals increased GSH concentrations by 24 percent, Consumption of 30g resulted in a minor elevation GSH, and consumption of 15g showed no significant change. [9]
  
  
• Micke et al. (2001) found that HIV patients supplementing with whey resulted in a 32 percent increase in plasma GSH concentrations within a 2 week period. Those who suffer from HIV are severely GSH deficient, these findings may prove useful in future treatment for restoration of the impaired immune system in HIV patients. [10]
  
  
• Kent et al. (2003) found that whey successfully protected prostate cells from apoptosis (cell destruction) and increased intracellular GSH concentrations by 64 percent, and was raised even further to 92 percent after 12 hours of treatment. [11]

Preventative to Hypertension

-Individuals diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure), have a blood pressure of roughly 140/90 mmHg or above. [12] Depending on the severity and cause, drugs (ace inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, vasodilators, etc [13]) may end up needing to be used. But Generally exercise (usually accompanied by weight loss) and dietary adjustments can serve as treatment, but sometimes this is not enough as genetics and other risk factors play a significant role, some people being more prone to hypertension than others. A minor dietary adjustment of the inclusion of whey protein and the shift to a high protein may be a possible approach to keeping hypertension under control.[12] Interestingly enough, a study conducted on 6,496 Japanese-American men found a negative relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressures and total protein consumption. [14]

[13]

• Fluegal et al. (2010) found that supplementation of 28g of whey decreased Systolic bp by 8.0 mmhg in hypertensive young adults and 3.8 mmhg in subjects with only high systolic bp. Also diastolic bp was lowered by 8.3mmhg and mean arterial pressure was lowered by 6.4mmhg. [15]
  
  
• Pins et al. (2007) found that subjects ingesting 20g of whey resulted in an11mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a 7mmHg drop in diastolic blood pressure within 1 week of treatment. [16]

you were saying?

if you want to crack up even more go ahead and compare the aa profile of whey to meat, thatll be a real knee slapper!

I should explain myself better than. My laugh at you (and it still persists trust me) is that you advocate so much Powders when even the study aforementioned mentions MILK , if you misunderstood my remark on the previous post I mean Milk is perfect for you, and cutting out Steak or Meat for powders is just blatantly funny. Chill out kiddo, and if you want to have a go with me there's PMs for that. As for the study, it is not new to me at all , hence I said MILK.

May I keep laughing at the fact it just looks like you want to advocate a need for powders , when a well balanced diet will never be trumped by them? Because that's just the way it looks to me (I might be wrong)...and your study just proves that a well dairy-including diet is far better than the usual dairy-phobia old-school preachers love to have and spread lol

Edit: Oh and you missed the part in my post where I said it includes AA that Whey DOESNT , not that it is superior or not, including both is the best...taking out powders from the equation is even better , if you don't agree with that then it's your personal wallet-leaning choice .

[Diesel0022]

Goat, quit picking fights.

[Mexisack]

Goat, quit picking fights.

But then he wouldn't be goat.

[Diesel0022]

True, but no need to cherry pick a statement to ignite an argument, let alone with a respected AM member

[Mexisack]

True, but no need to cherry pick a statement to ignite an argument, let alone with a respected AM member

True as well. Iirc goat made a thread about finding a protein he could take 6+ times a day without mud butt. So maybe this talk of whey just cuts deep for him .



I'm not sure what it's been lately, but I've felt a little more cheeky than usual. Is that a known long term effect of these boards? Lol

[Celorza]

True as well. Iirc goat made a thread about finding a protein he could take 6+ times a day without mud butt. So maybe this talk of whey just cuts deep for him .



I'm not sure what it's been lately, but I've felt a little more cheeky than usual. Is that a known long term effect of these boards? Lol

I can relate to the Cheekyness...it is a side effect of being on Supplement Boards honestly...some of us (Goat Included, he might be c0cky and young but he seems to be smart) do read and research before letting our fingers run wild on the keyboard (with bro-science...). This causes us to get easily irritated and a bit less tolerant for blabber of old-school preachings and non-sense advising...in the end it all comes from a good place, for if we are advising we really want to help the OP get what he/she needs, it's just sometimes our tempers are low-fused due to incessant bad-posters...