Supplements & Performance Enhancers / Question
Published: March 17, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 14 year old male, 5'8 150lbs. My wrestling season started and I would like to build more muscle. I have been looking at many different supplements. One that I happen to be interested in is Whey Protein. I have read it is not great for lactose intolerant people because it comes from milk in the process of making milk to cheeses. I happen to find myself lactose intolerant because after I have a bowl of cereal, I feel gas cramps during the day. What are the long term affects of digesting the lactose when you are allergic to it? And do you think any kind of protein supplement at this age is healthy with a set workout plan.
Signed: Wants To Build Muscle - Whey Protien?
Dear Wants To Build Muscle - Whey Protien?,
Lactose intolerance is not considered an allergy to lactose. Being lactose intolerant means an inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, which is the principal sugar of milk. The inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which normally is produced by the cells that line the small intestines. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed then a person can experience nausea, cramps, bloating, diarrhea and gas. While the symptoms are not usually dangerous they can be very stressful. Not all persons who are deficient in lactase have symptoms, but those who do, are considered lactose intolerant. There are no long-term effects from lactose but obviously the short-term effects are problematic enough.
Protein supplements are usually not advisable if the diet is sufficient in protein. The body only has a certain capacity to absorb or metabolize protein. If you overwhelm the body with protein, you can cause harm to yourself. So before you change your diet, you probably would want to check with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure you are not over doing it. If you do decide to use Whey, look for a product that is lactose free.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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