Whey Protein Causing Acne

Tim76

Hi guys,

I've recently started taking protein again after being off it for around a year.

I was only gyming once a week due to exams for the past 12 months so I only wanted to maintain as opposed to gain and cut out the protein.

Now I'm back in gain mode so I've started taking a protein shake after each gym session, the prob is I'm breaking out in serious acne on my arms, shoulders & back and this is only from taking about 4/5 shakes a week for the past 2 months!

Can any one out there recommend a decent brand that won't cause any acne?

Cheers in advance

Alf Veedersane

I don't think it's to do with the brand but the whey protein itself.

What the whey protein activates to stimulate muscle growth also stimulates the sebum that causes acne.

Tim76

Cheers Alf. That would make sense judging by some of the guys I've seen at the gym! but I've also seen guys taking protein and they seem to have little if no acne.

I myself had very little acne while I was on it before I took a year off but now that I'm back taking it again it seems to be way worse. It's actually the same tub of protein as well, I gave up about half way through the tub so I'm thinking it might have possibly gone off! Although the best before date is still good.

Any advice on ways to bulk up without going down the whey protein/back like the surface of the moon route?

Blacktie.

I really don;t think protein goes off unless left in horrible conditions for a long time.

Anyway you don't need to take whey to get your protein in. Eat lots of chicken and eggs. Pretty much anything that comes from an animal will give you a good bit of protein. Up all your meat intakes. That's what I did and I get way more protein than I need in now.

Tim76

Is there not a health issue involved with consuming so much meat tho, Blacktie?

Yeah the protein I have is probably still good but it's causing more trouble than it's worth now. What's the point in getting beach fit if you can't take your top off due to acne when u get there??

I must look at getting into non-meat proteins from peanuts, chick peas etc. to try and mix things up a bit and do things naturally as well as upping the meat

Alf Veedersane

Tim76 wrote: »

but I've also seen guys taking protein and they seem to have little if no acne.

Some people are more susceptible to it. If you had acne in the past, the whey is only going to exacerbate it.

As has been said, try and get more protein from natural food.

Greenmachine

Some type of protein are more likely to cause this. Particularly whey protein concentrate.

Blacktie.

Tim76 wrote: »

Is there not a health issue involved with consuming so much meat tho, Blacktie?

Yeah the protein I have is probably still good but it's causing more trouble than it's worth now. What's the point in getting beach fit if you can't take your top off due to acne when u get there??

I must look at getting into non-meat proteins from peanuts, chick peas etc. to try and mix things up a bit and do things naturally as well as upping the meat

At first it puts an increased load on your kidneys but they adjust and the risk disappears. Also this isn't just meat, this is a result of upping your protein intake. Honestly it's not a risk at all unless you have some pre existing condition and even then I doubt it's a risk.

Tim76

Cheers lads. Have any of ye got recommendations for any sites that give advice on meals/diet etc.?

Blacktie.

Tim76 wrote: »

Cheers lads. Have any of ye got recommendations for any sites that give advice on meals/diet etc.?

For general nutrition and supplement advice I always use examine.com. Very well put together site.

runawaybishop

http://simplesciencefitness.com/