Is Long-Term Protein Powder Use Safe for Athletes?

Question
Hi Leigh-Anne,

Im a 19 year old student taking part in competitive sport at a high level. I weight train 4 days a week and do cardio also 4 days a week. I am currently taking a protein powder supplement and have been for the last 2 months and I use it at least once a day. I was just wondering is to safe to keep taking this powder for as long as I like or will affect me in the long term. Ive been told to drink lots of cranberry juice to help clear out the kidneys. Thanks for your help!

Answer
The likelihood that taking in a protein shake every day having any negative effects on your body is slim to none. There have been a few reports of people overloading on creatine powder, a new fad in male athletes looking to bulk up. Drinking any type of fluid will help flush out the kidneys. However, you can get too hydrated and cause electrolyte imbalances (this is also a rare occurence). Cranberry juice has long been a remedy for people suffering from kidney stones (I think that has more to do with the electrolytes contained in it and the possibility of it helping dissolve the kidney stone). So, a protein shake once a day should cause you no problems, unless you have a history of kidney problems.

Leigh-Anne