Identification

• Whey protein is commonly found in cow's milk and packaged by food manufacturers as a powder that is often stirred into blender drinks for an easy-to-make breakfast drink. Unlike soy protein, whey protein is not said to not have any unwanted estrogenic effects.
  
  

Significance

• In a research study publicized at the 1997 International Whey Protein Conference, patients with breast cancer were able to withstand chemotherapy when supplementing with up to 30 grams of whey protein concentrate. Other studies show that whey protein has "protective effects" against tumors that grow from exposure to chemicals in rats.
  
  According to Healthy Whey, a nonprofit educational group promoting whey protein, clinical studies show cancer patients "have shown regression in tumors" when given 30 grams of whey protein a day. Researchers say that whey protein can boost the immune system. The NIH continues to study the health benefits of whey, including how it can help "vulnerable populations" such as those allergic to cow's milk, such as infants, and also older adults, who may lose muscle mass.
  
  Whey protein is generally tolerated by most people and consuming it daily may provide health benefits including preserving lean muscle mass.
  
  

Function

• People consume whey protein powder for its protein power. It has about 20 grams of protein per serving. For bodybuilders and athletes who want an easy-to-prepare protein to repair muscle after vigorous exercise, whey protein is a convenient way to get enough protein in their diets.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Whey protein powder is also found in infant baby formula, but that does not mean it will automatically be tolerated by your child. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not required to evaluate the efficacy or any claims of benefits from different infant baby formula that using their products will mean a reduction in food allergies associated with baby formulas based on cow's milk.
  Adults using whey protein powder may tolerate it more easily than soy protein as some people find soy products difficult to digest or they may have a food allergy to it.
  
  

Features

• Recipes for whey protein range from very basic, such as fruit smoothies made with whey protein powder, fruit juice, fresh fruit and yogurt. Whey protein can be used in almost any baked good recipe. Add ¼ cup to pancake or waffle batter and adjust the baking soda, and do the same for quick breads such as banana bread, blueberry muffins and even chocolate chip cookies. See the Resources section below for a site that provides detailed recipes.