Whey Protein Cancer

Whey Protein and Cancer - when to avoid Whey protein powder.

Whey protein powder may decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment since it increases glutathione, the important repair antioxidant. Glutathione is known to decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

You should also avoid weight protein products that have added L glutamine amino acids. L glutamine is a fuel and helps cancer cells to grow and repair. El glutamine is often added to products to help people gain muscle mass for example people that exercise. Your body can make L glutamine from other amino acids so you don’t need to add L glutamine in your powder.

Whey protein powder supplement does have a valued anticancer and cancer prevention effect. Just not during chemotherapy and radiation. Other options include vegetarian protein powder sources.

Reference sources include:

Bounous G. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and glutathione modulation in cancer treatment. Anticancer Res. 2000 Nov-Dec;20(6C):4785-92. PMID: 11205219. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205219/

Srinivasaraghavan N, Das N, Balakrishnan K, Rajaram S. Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients with Cancer-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020188666). Nutr Cancer. 2021 Dec 28:1-14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34961401/