Investigating the Health Implications of Whey Protein Consumption: A Narrative Review of Risks, Adverse Effects, and Associated Health Issues.

2024-01-18
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) 12(2)
- Edda Cava
- Elvira Padua
- Diego Campaci
- Marco Bernardi
- Fares M S Muthanna
- Massimiliano Caprio
- Mauro Lombardo

PubMed: 38255133
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020246

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: narrative review; comprehensive search of multiple databases; inclusion of 21 preclinical and human studies

This narrative review critically examines the current research on the health implications of whey protein (WP) supplementation, with a focus on potential risks and adverse effects. WP, commonly consumed for muscle building and weight loss, has been associated with various health concerns. Our comprehensive analysis involved a thorough search of multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 21 preclinical and human studies that collectively offer a detailed overview of WP's health impacts. The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to liver and kidney damage, alterations in gut microbiota, increased acne incidence, impacts on bone mass, and emotional and behavioural changes. These findings underscore the complexity of WP's effects on human health, indicating both beneficial and detrimental outcomes in relation to different posologies in a variety of settings. Our study suggests caution for the protein intake in situations of hepatic and renal compromised functions, as well as in acne susceptibility, while possible beneficial effects can be achieved for the intestinal microbiota, humoral and behavioural level, and finally bone and muscle mass in elderly. We emphasizes the importance of balanced WP consumption and call for more in-depth research to understand its long-term health effects. Health professionals and individuals considering WP supplementation should be aware of these potential risks and approach its use with informed caution.

Research Insights

Whey Protein→Improved Emotional and Behavioral Changes
emotional and behavioural changes ... beneficial effects can be achieved for ... humoral and behavioural level
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Whey Protein→Improved Gut Microbiota
alterations in gut microbiota
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Whey Protein→Increased Acne
increased acne incidence
Effect
Harmful
Effect size
Small
Whey Protein→Reduced Bone Mass
impacts on bone mass ... bone and muscle mass in elderly
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Whey Protein→Reduced Kidney Damage
potential link to liver and kidney damage
Effect
Harmful
Effect size
Small
Whey Protein→Reduced Liver Damage
potential link to liver and kidney damage
Effect
Harmful
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Whey Protein→acne
The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to ... increased acne incidence
Finding
Reported
Whey Protein→bone mass changes
The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to ... impacts on bone mass
Finding
Reported
Whey Protein→emotional and behavioural changes
The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to ... emotional and behavioural changes
Finding
Reported
Whey Protein→gut microbiota alterations
The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to ... alterations in gut microbiota
Finding
Reported
Whey Protein→kidney damage
The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to liver and kidney damage
Finding
Reported
Whey Protein→liver damage
The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to liver and kidney damage
Finding
Reported