Whey Protein Supplement

The purpose of a whey protein supplement is to increase muscle growth, support cellular repair and improve immune function. Any whey protein supplement should be at least 85-90 percent whey protein, either from concentrate, isolate or both. This provides all of the essential amino acids, many of the conditional amino acids )including glutamine) that boost immunity, and some nonessential amino acids as well.

Whey protein supplements are often mixed with other ingredients (such as fruit and yogurt) into shakes, which is the most common way of ingesting it. Pre-mixed shakes are also available, but they often contain higher amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, non-whey protein and fat. Protein supplements are most effective when taken in the morning or right after exercise when the body needs a boost.

Taking a whey protein supplement has several important health benefits. Current research suggests whey protein raises levels of the antioxidant glutathione, thereby boosting immunity. Whey helps the body fight viral and bacterial infections. Whey may reduce the size and number of cancerous tumors. Whey also appears to prevent the oxidation of bad (LDL) cholesterol, which plays a role in artery hardening.

If consuming extremely high doses of any protein, including whey protein, the liver can become overloaded and suffer serious damage. The recommended intake for muscle gain is one gram of protein (or less) per pound of body weight. For a 150 pound athlete, that amounts to 150 grams or less of protein per day. Any more has the potential to harm the liver and kidneys.