Do not compromise your health while building muscle!

Drawing attention to protein powders, which have recently become widespread especially among young people and used to build muscle, Medical Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Protein powder is a dietary supplement. We do not know the long-term effects." Referring to a report published on toxins in protein powders, Prof. Tekkeşin stated that "Researchers screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found that many protein powders contained heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), bisphenol-A (BPA, which is used to make plastics), pesticides, or other pollutants linked to cancer and other health problems."

Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine (English) Department of Medical Biochemistry Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin draws attention to the fact that protein powders may pose unexpected risks to health.

Protein powders can contain added sugar and artificial sweeteners

Stating that protein powders are powdered forms of protein that come from plants such as soybeans, peas, rice, potatoes or hemp, eggs or milk (casein or whey protein), Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Protein powders may contain various ingredients such as added sugars, artificial sweeteners, thickeners, vitamins and minerals. The amount of protein in each scale usually ranges from 10 to 30 grams. Supplements for muscle building generally have a higher protein content, while supplements designed for weight loss contain less protein."

The long-term effects of protein powders are unknown

Noting that there are many risks to consider when using protein powder, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that "Protein powder is a dietary supplement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leaves it up to manufacturers to evaluate the safety and labeling of products. That is, there is no way to know if a protein powder contains what manufacturers claim. We do not know the long-term effects. There is also limited data on the possible side effects of high protein intake from supplements."

It can cause gastrointestinal upset

Stating that protein powders can cause digestive distress, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "People who are allergic to milk or have difficulty digesting lactose may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when they use a milk-based protein powder." Explaining that these powders can be high in added sugar and calories, Tekkeşin said that "Some protein powders contain less added sugar and some contain too much sugar (up to 23 grams per scale). Some protein powders turn a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories. This can lead to weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar."

Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic have been found in many protein powders

Referring to a report published on toxins in protein powders, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Researchers screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found that many protein powders contained heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), bisphenol-A (BPA, which is used to make plastics), pesticides, or other pollutants linked to cancer and other health problems. Some toxins were present in significant amounts. For example, a protein powder contained 25 times the allowable limit of BPA."

In certain cases, chemical-free protein powders under medical supervision are useful

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that chemical-free protein powders may be beneficial under medical supervision in certain cases and continued her remarks as follows:

"This can be the case with serious health problems such as difficulty eating or loss of appetite as a result of weakness due to cancer treatment or old age, surgical incisions or pressure sores that do not heal, burns that require additional calories and protein. Apart from these, it is healthier to get protein from natural sources. These sources include nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy products (yogurt, milk, cheese), legumes (beans, lentils), fish, poultry, eggs, and lean meats. These natural foods are enough to meet your protein needs. You can maintain a healthy protein intake without having to use powder."

It should be used in certain situations and under medical supervision...

Pointing out that protein is necessary for the strengthening of muscles and bones and the formation and maintenance of many body functions, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin concluded her remarks as follows: "However, many older adults may not get enough protein due to loss of appetite. Caution should be exercised, though; A measure of chocolate or vanilla protein powder may pose health risks. Therefore, I recommend the use of protein powder only in certain circumstances and under medical supervision."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)