Is whey protein powder safe during pregnancy?

Question

Please only vote if you spoke to a doctor!! I've asked my dr and he basically said yes, but I'm curious what other dr are saying. Please no personal opinions. Thank you.

Answer

I have a BA is exercise physiology, am a CPT, and have a lot of experience with nutrition from doing body building shows. I have seen plenty of women drink protein shakes during pregnancy and it had no effects of their pregnancy at all. With that said, my OB said she couldn't give me a straight yes because there just hasn't been enough research done on the topic to honestly say if it is safe or not. I switched to an organic powder (I usually use Dymatize or Phase 8) to cut out any unnecessary additives. My pregnancy has been completely and totally normal, my doc always jokes I am a boring patient haha

Answer

My doctor said they are fine, with one exception. I was told to watch/avoid protein powders that had added Vitamin A in the first trimester. There isn't much specific research, but they extrapolate that if high vit A in accutane (acne treatment) causes birth defects, then pregnant women shouldn't have excessive doses of it. Enjoy your shakes and smoothies!

Answer

I used to take a lot of supplements before the pregnancy, and protein shakes was one of my everyday drink. I decided to stop taking it when I found out I'm pregnant just because there's not much studies about it. You can also see on most labels at the back the warning tag that says do not take when pregnant.

Answer

I am a naturopath who has studied nutrition for years, whey protein is totally safe just look at the additives in the formula. The only concern I would have is that excessive consumption of dairy protein can increase the risk of dairy intolerance or allergy in the baby but as long as it's in moderation with other food, it's fine. You can always switch it up with a pea or rice based protein for a change.

Answer

Here are the ingredients in the one I take. Any thoughts?? Couldn't be any worse than eating fast food right? I really need to change my diet stat! Please help!

Answer

Stay away from Muscle Milk. A lot of protein powders have high metal content in their whey. I usually stick with 'natural' flavored ones or maybe a vegetable/hemp etc protein powder.

Answer

Thank you for the responses! I will look at my ingredients. I buy a gnc brand, never looked much into it. 😰 but I know I need more protein and I use to drink it all the time  I just wanted more than one answer than my dr. But you know... It's probably safer then some of that crap in fast food!

Is whey protein powder safe during pregnancy?

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