Protein Problem

DugOut

Hopefully someone could help me out with this problem, it would be much appreciated.

I have been using Prolab pure whey and at the moment Optimum Nutrition classic whey and they cause me to break out in spots. I have always used these protein supplements and I have just discovered that the supplement is the cause of the spots. I know its the supplements because for the past 2 weeks I was not taking the supplements and then this week I started back taking them and the spots re-appear! I think its to do with the amount of potassium involved but not sure on not.

Anyway, has anyone else experienced this problem and if so can you recommended another protein supplement.

BossArky

Maybe just ditch the supplements and eat a few cans of tuna per day.

pwd

I think it's because of the change in hormone levels. It seems to happen a few people to different extents. It happens me to some extent anyway, though not enough to bother me. Post workout shakes increase hormone levels and all.
Just an assumption on my part - I don't know for sure what causes it. There's no potassium in the protein I use, or any other supplements I use though, and I seem to get a few spots when I use them and train much

rubadub

Could it be due to dairy? i.e. lactose intolerant. Are you mixing with milk?

Some proteins have more lactose than others.

hardtrainer

How bad are the spots?
It sounds like a classic dairy allergy, which is not the same as being lactose intolerant. This is an immune problem, not a digestive issue. If you're seeing a noticeable increase in spots when you take your protein, then simple, stop taking them and the problem should clear up.

Do you eat any other dairy products, which could be making it worse?

There are other sources of protein out there; egg albumin, soy. I don't recommend soy protein to people (for many reasons discussed here before) and egg albumin can be expensive and doesn't taste great, but it's an option and it's good quality protein.

What age are you? Many people can grow out of dairy allergies either when they enter puberty or when they are all done with it (which can be as late as the mid 20s) so give it a break for a few months and then maybe try reintroducing the whey and see how you get on. good luck.

Boru.

Side effects like that are quite common, along with increased wind etc. It's most often a result of overuse and a lack of multiple protein sources leading to intolerance. There is really no need to supplement with protein if you are getting proper protein from proper sources such as whole foods. Eating a variety of protein sources and rotating those sources ie, a healthy mix of lean meats, poultry, red meats, fish, eggs and dairy will provide you with an ambundance of protein without over abusing one source and will also supply the natural enzymes to break down the food correctly, thus eliminating the side effects your experiencing.

Food should always come from whole food - using a powdered processed supplement should be a last resort, and only used to supplement a deficiency in a proper balanced diet ie a late lunch, rushed appointment etc - not as the primary source.

DugOut

Thanks for the replies.

The spots are bad enough and they are on my chin so very noticeable! I mix the protein with water and not milk and I am definitly not lactose intolerant. I am 26 by the way. I do eat quite well its not a prefect diet but I do only use the protein powder as a supplement and not as a food replacement. Boru you have made a great point, I need to look at more whole foods as a source for protein.