I have a delicate question about using protein powders. I'm using whey protein and I usually mix it with light soymilk or fat free skim milk. I don't use it everyday, but I have noticed that on the days I use the powder, I have terrible flatulence.

I did a bit of websurfing about it, and found that it's usually the lactose in the powders that cause the problem. But my powder says it's 97% lactose-free.

Anyone else having this problem? Would soy protein be better for me?

Thanks!
--Anne

Some people find that soy products cause gas. Could it be the soy milk? Or the lactose in the skim milk?

I switch back and forth between soy and whey protein powder. I usually experience this ... challenge .... during the change over. Once I'm using one for a while, it settles down. Gastrointestinal upset can easily be cause by the unfamiliar.

You are not alone regarding this issue. I would love to be vegetarian but I am not able to disgest soy. Soy milk would really do a number on my stomach. There is a product made by pacific foods called Almond milk. They have a low calorie plain milk that contains no soy. It taste great too! I don't know if they whey protein powder could also contibute to the problem. I suggest cutting out all soy products as well as the protein powder for a week, then re-introduce the powder and see what happens. For now give your stomach a break and allow the enzymes to rebalance themselves.

Thanks everyone! I'll do some testing as per your suggestions.

Sometimes, even more than soy products, the carageenan in many soy products can cause gastrointestinal problems. Nothing serious, from what I understand, but many people experience grumbly stomachs and flatulence from even small amounts.

I'm a vegetarian and a hyper conscious label-reader (I try to eat all organic when I can afford it) and have found that when I eat products with carageenan in them, my stomach just doesn't feel right. You may want to keep an eye on this and monitor how you feel.