Protein Powder -- Whey vs Alternatives

Hello,

While I would prefer to take a whey protein powder due to cost/efficiency, I seem to have an inflammatory reaction whenever I take it (usually manifesting as eczema on my hands). I tried a beef protein supplement for a while, but have become rather suspect given the fact that many beef supplements don’t have adequate leucine in the doses typically taken vs food. It starts to become cost ineffective very quickly, and I’m rather suspicious that I can’t get a hold of a certain manufacturer to inquire about how much leucine there is in their supplement.

Is there any known way to eliminate the reaction to whey protein? I have the same reaction to dairy in general. Have tried a few isolates and hydrolysates. Alternatively, would BCAAs be a viable alternative in addition to a cheaper non-dairy protein powder? Haven’t crunched the numbers here but I suspect simply eating might be superior, but the convenience is hard to beat.

RVR,

I agree that beef protein is not a great choice. I would see if you could try a soy, pea, or egg white protein and see how you tolerate them IF YOU NEED a protein supplement. If your dietary protein intake is high already, a protein supplement is mostly for convenience as a meal replacement. I don’t think BCAAs would be useful either way.

-Jordan

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Pea protein profiles don’t look great either (5.7g per 100g), but interestingly higher than beef. I’m surprised beef is so low actually, but one typically consumes it as a whole food in a high enough dose to stimulate MPS.

Good point. I wouldn’t say I “need” it, but it makes it easier to be consistent given the daily demands of kids, work and all manner of property work. Will look into alternatives for the time being, provided the cost/benefit doesn’t get ridiculous (like when it starts costing as much as top sirloin or fresh salmon per serving).

Having made a pea protein before, I disagree. Its amino acid profile, PDCAAS, etc. are all very good for a protein supplement.

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