There is a plethora of protein powders out there. While most experts recommend getting protein from a natural diet, protein powders are an excellent (and often necessary) option in some groups. With so many choices out there, patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — or other gut conditions worsened by FODMAPs — can have a hard time determining the best protein powder for them.

In this article, we’ll look at what protein is and why you need it, the types of protein powders, whether whey protein isolate is low FODMAP, and what other low FODMAP protein powder options IBS patients have.

What is protein?

Protein is one of three fundamental molecules that make up our body (the other two being carbohydrates and fats). Protein is present in every cell of the body, and one of its main functions is to provide structural support to the body. One example is skin — when skin protein (collagen) starts to break down with aging, people get wrinkles.

All enzymes and many hormones in the body are also made up of proteins. Enzymes and hormones regulate important body functions like:

● Digestion
● Blood pressure
● Basal metabolic rate
● Nervous system activity
● Reproductive functions

Proteins (specifically a large protein called albumin) also helps maintain the blood pressure by keeping liquid within the blood vessels.

Finally, proteins are an integral component of muscles. People who want to strengthen their muscles must increase the amount of protein in their diet. People with very low intake of protein or diseases that affect protein metabolism may have weak muscles.

Protein powder low fodmap