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Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to milk or milk products.

Throat itching, facial swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported. Colic, failure to thrive, and hyper-IgE syndrome have been reported in infants. Whey baths may sensitize infants to cow's milk allergy.

Side Effects and Warnings

Whey protein may cause colic in infants, increased bowel movements, nausea, thirst, bloating, cramps, reduced appetite, tiredness, headache, fasciitis, swelling of the arms and legs, skin reactions, and severe disability.

Use cautiously in patients using any medications. Drugs may bind to human milk whey proteins. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood.

Whey protein may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Whey protein may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Whey protein may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

Whey protein may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs, herbs, or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these agents may change in the blood, and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Use cautiously in patients using drugs, herbs, or supplements that may affect the immune system.

Use cautiously in patients using cholesterol-lowering medications.

Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

Use cautiously when operating heavy machinery since, as high doses of protein may cause tiredness or fatigue.

Use only approved sources of whey protein or whey protein hydrolysates in infant formulas.

Avoid long-term excessive intake because it may cause kidney damage or bone loss.

Avoid in individuals who are avoiding dairy products.

Avoid in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to milk or milk products.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is a lack of available scientific evidence on the use of whey protein in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

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