Protein Powders

[jds22]

Hello all, this is my first post. I'm not sure if I'm a Celiac or not, but I have just started eating gluten-free 10/2/04. Just a brief intro, I'm 37, male, and suffer from bloating, gas, loose stools and constipation for the past 6 or 7 years. I have had a sigmoidoscopy (sp), upper and lower GI tests, stool samples, and all have come back negative. I'm scheduled for a Gastro Dr. visit in late Dec. but thought I might as well try this diet first to see if it reduces or hopefully eliminates my symptoms. Anyways I was wondering about protein powders. I like to use them as meal replacements and to help me get enough protein in for the day. In the past I have used both whey and soy powders. Now that I have started this, I'm not sure if I can use either. I have seen egg powders in the past but have never tried them. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jerry

[lovegrov]

Whey and soy themselves are OK but you still need to check for gluten. I don't know of any myself.

richard

[tarnalberry]

Assuming you don't have a problem with soy or dairy, then - in theory - both whey and soy protein powders should be fine. As always, read the label, and if you're uncertain, do call the company and verify that any flavors or other uncertain ingredients are gluten free. I've come across a few protein powders that use oats in them, but they tend not to be just soy or whey. You can also find (though it's a bit trickier) rice protein powders.

Almost forgot... if you suspect the GI is going to do any further tests, you need to continue eating gluten. You can't reasonably test for gluten-intolerance if you're not eating gluten in the weeks/months before the test.