Thread: The pros and cons of using protein supplements?

I hear they cause gas..........and aren't approved by any food organization.

I've mostly just been drinking milk after workouts and I'm considering crossing over. So could I just get a quick breakdown? Thanks alot for any help.

Well, as with anything, too much of a good thing is not good.

The only con I can think of for most is that they have a lot of calories, more than milk probably, so if weight is a problem....

The pro is of course the extra protein content which lifters seem to think they need.

Truth is, that unless you aim to be Mr. Universe, you can easily get all the protein you need from a nutritious meal plan that is tilted in favor of meat and beans and nuts and cheese.

Muscle growth is aided by about 0.8 grms of protein/pound of body weight daily when lifting regularly. More is just wasted, or converted to fat if you're eating too many calories/day.

Good luck.

Don't use them, as a bodybuilder and someone who minors in nutrition at the Unviersity of Connecticut, you don't need it. The Western diet (i'm guessing you live in the US) has enough protein in it for you to build muscle.
Pros: Good to take if you aren't getting enough protein.
Cons: Expensive, gives gas, can be allergic to whey and cause sickness, others have chemicals in it that are unhealthy, such as musclemilk which has a chemical in it (i forget the name) but it will give you heart disease at a young age. If you take protein supplements, the excess protein goes straight to fat, your body hardly puts any protein into the feces.
Best protein source is tunafish, sunflower seeds, milk, eggs, meat.

Pros: protein supplements will help muscle recovery after working out and long term, it will help increase strength and increase muscle mass.

Cons: too much protein in your diet is harmful to your kidneys and may even lead to unwanted weight gain

hope that helps.

If you are overloaded with protein, you may experience dehydration, stomach trouble, calcium loss and gout. You should only consume between 0.7 - 0.9 grams of protein per pound of your weight.

Like what danr mentioned, protein supplements could lead to gas but it will diminish once you get used to the supplement. Also FDA has not regulated protein supplements as standard food or drug. Excess protein could lead to serious health problems and has a long term side effects. It's not all negative though. Protein supplements also has its benefits. Just be sure not to consume too much of it.