What Are the Long-Term Effects of Using Protein Supplements?

Protein supplements are commonly consumed by athletes to gain muscle mass, speed recovery and lose weight. Knowing the long-term effects of these supplements can assist individuals in making smarter dietary choices.

History

• Dietary supplements used to refer to those compounds made with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Since the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), any substance used to supplement the diet, including herbs and other botanicals, may now be used as ingredients.

Types

• The most common protein types include:

  Whey protein: Made from milk, easily digested and mixes easily.

  Casein: Also derived from milk, but a more complete protein that doesn't easily dissolve.

  Milk protein: Generic term for proteins made from milk. Lactose-intolerant people may experience discomfort after ingesting milk proteins due to the milk sugars.

  Egg protein: A complete protein and a great choice for lactose-intolerant individuals.

  Soy protein: Also a complete protein and the usual choice for vegetarians.

Function

• Protein is a primary ingredient in the formation and repair of muscle, skin and other body tissues.

Gluconeogenesis

• If you don't eat enough carbohydrates, protein in your body can be converted to carbohydrates through a process called gluconeogenesis.

FDA

• It is the supplement manufacturer's responsibility to provide a safe product before it is available to the public. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can only take action against a dietary supplement after it has been marketed.

Warning

• While short-term supplementation of protein has shown no adverse side effects, the long-term effects of protein supplementation are still in question.