What is the best protein powder for lactose intolerant people?
There are several types of lactose-free protein powder. Two of the most common are egg white protein powder and plant-based protein powder, both of which are great options for people with lactose intolerance.
Some people may claim that neither egg white nor plant protein cannot compete with whey protein, which is simply not true. While whey protein is a highly bioavailable complete protein, it is not better for you than any other dietary protein.
Bioavailability, which measures how effectively your body can absorb and use a nutrient, is scored on a scale of 0-100%. Both whey and egg white protein score a perfect 100%. Most plant proteins score lower, but this only means you have to consume a bit more plant-based protein to enjoy the same nutritional benefits as whey or egg whites.
A complete protein contains all the essential amino acids that the body needs, but cannot produce on its own. Not all dietary proteins are complete, but if you eat a balanced diet, this is not also something to fret over; consuming a variety of proteins ensures you get all the essential amino acids you need. Egg whites and whey both have complete amino acid profiles. Most plant-based proteins do not, but once again, this does not really make a difference.
In summary, any type of lactose-free protein powder can help you achieve your wellness goals. Not all lactose-free protein powers are created equal, however, as many of them contain ingredients that can cause uncomfortable side effects and long-term gut damage. Keep reading to learn more.
One of the reasons why we make the best protein powder for lactose intolerance is that we do not use food additives. Even in small amounts, additives can cause painful side effects, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach. Here’s a list of the most common food additives in protein powder:
acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, artificial flavors, aspartame, carrageenan, cellulose gum, dextrin, dextrose, erythritol, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, inulin, locust bean gum, “natural” flavors, maltodextrin, rice syrup solids, soy lecithin, silica, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, xanthan gum, xylitol
To put it simply, food additives look nothing like real food, which makes them hard to digest. As a result, they hang around in your gut, giving your gut bacteria extra time to eat. While bacteria chow, they produce gas, leading to issues like bloating, flatulence, and stomach pain. Gas can also slow down the movement of food through your colon, causing constipation.
In some cases, partially digested food additives can lead your colon to absorb too much water. This is known as osmotic diarrhea, and might explain why protein shakes make you run to the bathroom.