Whey protein
Whey protein

Background

Whey protein is the protein from whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. It is commonly used as a protein supplement.

Whey protein might improve the nutrient content of the diet and also have effects on the immune system.

People commonly use whey protein for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is also used for asthma, diabetes, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
When taken by mouth: Whey protein is likely safe for most adults when taken appropriately. High doses can cause some side effects such as increased bowel movements, acne, nausea, thirst, bloating, reduced appetite, tiredness, and headache.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if whey protein is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Whey protein is likely safe for children when used in amounts commonly found in food or when included in infant formulas.

Milk allergy: If you are allergic to cow's milk, avoid using whey protein.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
  • Athletic performance. Regularly consuming whey protein by mouth while also regularly exercising increases muscle strength and athletic performance. But it seems that both must be done consistently to see benefits.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
  • A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking whey protein by mouth doesn't seem to help COPD symptoms.
  • Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking whey protein by mouth for up to 2 years doesn't improve bone density in older adults.
There is interest in using whey protein for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Whey protein has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 30 grams by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific purpose.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.

Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Whey protein might decrease how well some antibiotics work. To avoid this interaction, take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.

Bisphosphonates

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Whey protein can decrease the effects of bisphosphates. To avoid this interaction, take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before whey or, preferably, at a different time of day.

Levodopa

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Whey protein might decrease how much levodopa the body absorbs. This might decrease the effects of levodopa. Do not take whey protein and levodopa at the same time.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
WPI Fast Release
4.5 (2 pracs)
5.0 (1 client)
RRP: $85.95$70.91Save: 17%
Create account
WPI Fast Release Pure
RRP: $85.95$70.91Save: 17%
Create account
BioPure Whey Protein
Per 23.3 g (Neutral):
Practitioner product
SHAKE IT Chocolate
3.0 (1 prac)
4.6 (5 clients)
Practitioner product
SHAKE IT Vanilla
5.0 (2 pracs)
4.5 (4 clients)
Practitioner product
WPC Pure
4.0 (1)
0.0 ()
RRP: $58.95$48.63Save: 18%
Create account
360 Whey
5.0 (2 pracs)
4.7 (3 clients)
RRP: $47.95$39.56Save: 17%
Create account
Whey Better Collagen
RRP: $79.99$70.39Save: 12%
Create account
Organic Whey Protein Powder
RRP: $49.95$43.96Save: 12%
Create account
vital.ly has licensed monographs from TRC Healthcare.
This monograph was last reviewed on 31/05/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 04/11/2020 23:55:08. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. No reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. It is unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.