Whey protein is a sort of concentrated protein obtained from whey. But what is whey?, Well it is a by-product yielded out of cheese made from cow milk. The chemical composition of whey protein consists of alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and serum albumin. It is also said to be the protein with the highest biological value in the protein family. Whey protein is a popular product amongst bodybuilding enthusiasts. The reason behind this is that it is a form of protein, and as all of us know, protein helps in muscle-building! Obviously only to a certain extent! I am sure you might be thinking of rushing to the store and buying whey protein. But wait, and also understand the flip side of it; the whey protein side effects. It so happens that with an aim to grow muscles quickly, people tend to exceed the consumption of whey protein. Excess of whey protein can have some harmful side effects. Here, we will explore those very side effects of whey protein. Common Side Effects of Whey Protein All the side effects that whey protein causes are on account of its over-consumption. They are: Damage to the Liver Over-consumption of whey protein causes damage to the liver. Some experts believe that when you consume whey protein in excess quantities, it exerts a lot of pressure on the liver. The pressure exerted to assimilate proteins in the liver damages it. Over-consumption of any of the proteins in a haphazard manner has its negative side effects. The liver is designed by nature in such a way that it is able to assimilate only a limited amount of proteins. So stay alert and avoid over-consumption. Effect on Kidneys Excess of whey protein can also result in the malfunctioning of the kidneys. People consuming whey protein in excess quantities and that too for many years, could develop a problem in their kidneys leading to a malfunctioning kidney. It also is believed to form kidney stones. Over-consumption of whey protein could lead to a rise in the levels of phosphorus and calcium, which result in the formation of kidney stones. Allergy Lactose is one the principal contents of milk and all milk products. Some people are intolerant to lactose and therefore cannot digest milk and its products. Now, whey protein is also a milk product, and it is obvious that it also contains lactose. Therefore, some people develop an allergy to whey protein and find it difficult to digest. However, the lactose content is so small that the allergic reactions are not that severe. Osteoporosis Consumption of excess amounts of whey protein results in the development of osteoporosis. It is believed that whey protein in excess leads to a mineral imbalance in the bones, and further results in a decrease in bone density. In simple words, it leads to weakness in the bones. This in turn causes osteoporosis. Ketosis The body burns fat to work. In other words, fat is the fuel that our body needs to keep running. But when an individual has a high intake of protein and comparatively less or no intake of carbohydrates, then there is a problem. This puts a strain on the liver and kidneys. Our body needs proper intake of proteins as well as rich carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables. Excess of anything is dangerous, and whey protein is not an exception to this rule. After all, it is a dietary supplement. Some individuals have 2 scoops with water after a workout, others have it twice a day. A balanced diet with the right quantity of all the nutrients and regular exercise are together the key to your good health and wellness. Except for allergies, all the above mentioned whey protein side effects are probable, as none of them are scientifically proved. Besides being vital for muscle-building, it has also proved beneficial in fat loss, preventing dangerous diseases such as cancer, and in increasing immunity. Yes, I would now say that go and buy yourself whey protein!, but see an expert dietitian before that, and get that 'right quantity' prescribed specifically for your case and situation.