Whey Allergy, Can I Use BCAAs?

Diet and Nutrition
1

I tried whey protein once and had an allergic reaction that caused me to go to the hospital. I suspect I’m allergic to whey, but after that bad incident I’ve stayed away from whey powders. Anyway, do you think it’s safe for me to try BCAA supplements given what happen with the whey protein?

Is BCAA sourced from whey? I’m not entirely sure I understand the supplement. I get the basic gist of amino acids. Anyway, I wanted to at least give them a try to see if I notice any difference. However, don’t want to end up rushing to the hospital again.

2

I have a dairy allergy and am using BCAAs just fine. Not sure where they come from to be honest.

I hear you about the reactions though, lactose intolerance is one thing but an allergy is much more worrying.

3

Whey contains all kinds of different proteins (whatever is in milk could be in whey powder), some of which are well known allergens.

BCAA is a mixture of only 3 amino acids (no proteins) valine, leucine and isoleucine, all highly refined and purified. By definition you cannot be allergic to a single amino acid.

So yes, BCAA are safe to consume IF it’s the whey you’re allergic against. Sometimes there can be filler materiel in the BCAA pills, which could be some kind of sugar, be sure to check the ingredients.

4

I see what your saying. That’s encouraging. Okay, yesterday I tried one cup of Orange juice, few chunks of pineapple with half a scoop of protein powder. I mixed that up and drank it during my SS workout. Next day I had no DOMS and I’m in my first week of SS so I expected soreness. Having said that should I stick to OJ and protein powder…since it seems to have helped or try BCAAs instead? Will there be a big difference with BCAAs?

5

I see what your saying. That’s encouraging. Okay, yesterday I tried one cup of Orange juice, few chunks of pineapple with half a scoop of protein powder. I mixed that up and drank it during my SS workout. Next day I had no DOMS and I’m in my first week of SS so I expected soreness. Having said that should I stick to OJ and protein powder…since it seems to have helped or try BCAAs instead? Will there be a big difference with BCAAs?

6

You should check and maybe try out Plazma, as far as I know it there is no whey, check the labeling on the site store to make sure though…

7

[quote]Digity wrote:
[…] Having said that should I stick to OJ and protein powder…since it seems to have helped or try BCAAs instead? Will there be a big difference with BCAAs?[/quote]

There won’t be a big difference, chances are there won’t be any at all.

The only time additional BCAA would have a ‘big’ impact is if you are consuming protein with a low biological value (anything with an incomplete AA spectrum, usually from plant sources) or the total amount of protein wasn’t enough

8

Have you tried egg white protein or pea protein?

9

[quote]dnlcdstn wrote:
Have you tried egg white protein or pea protein?[/quote]
Yes, I’ve tried both and currently use pea protein.

10

Should I be concerned that I’m experiencing no DOMS the next day after my workout? I literally feel no soreness, but I think this is related to the protein shake I take when I’m working out, because I’ve experienced something similar in the past. I’m just wondering if maybe I’m not pushing myself enough. Regardless, if the weight keeps going up I guess that’s what matters.

11

Not a concern. DOMS isn’t a reliable indicator of whether a workout has been “good” or not.