Calcium or sodium caseinate and micellar casein (casein) are dietary supplements with a complex molecular structure and an ambiguous effect when used. The potential harm of casein is a subject of intense scrutiny among athletes and consumers alike.
The problem needs clarification. Each of us gets acquainted with curdled protein as soon as we start eating mother’s milk or formula milk. It is essential for the formation of hair and nails. The famous professor I.P. Neumyvakin. At the same time, the possible harm to the body of this protein is not even discussed. Moreover, the notorious lactose-lactase deficiency does not apply to casein, it does not contain any modification of lactose.
Casein is found in dairy products: cheese and cottage cheese. The only "but" when using this protein may be its individual intolerance.
Manufacturers of sports nutrition strive to avoid misunderstandings with cow's milk and its components and produce a special type of goat milk product for those athletes who have hypersensitivity to them.
In addition, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is necessary to observe a sense of proportion when taking protein, that is, not to overeat.
Side effects of casein
It is known that the technology for producing curdled protein requires adherence to the most accurate dosage in the enzymatic process. Product disruptions are dangerous and can lead to digestive upset. Some unscrupulous manufacturers of casein use acetic acid or, even worse, alkalis in the process chain instead of enzymes.
Of course, milk curdles under such conditions, but after the systematic intake of casein prepared in this way, serious problems can begin. It is good if the matter is limited to heartburn and the abolition of the cheap option, but gradual atrophy of the gastric mucosa may develop against a background of low acidity with a possible degeneration into cancer. Or, on the contrary, an acidic environment can cause erosion, peptic ulcer disease, sudden bleeding.
Athletes who already have pathological changes in the digestive tract in their history should be especially careful.
Disadvantages of casein
Lactose (lactase) deficiency is confused with gluten deficiency, since in both cases we are talking about proteins. But gluten has nothing to do with dairy and casein. It is contained in cereals: the more of it, the stronger the properties of gluten in them, the higher the harmfulness of this protein for humans.
Casein and gluten are also combined because there is a special diet without each of them, which is used to treat autistic children.
Casein is recommended for the restriction and the elderly. They are advised to have a glass of milk a day at night, as it cures insomnia. On the other hand, milk contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and joint fractures.
We have already mentioned the main drawback - this is the cheapness of the product: for this reason, many companies are engaged in its manufacture and sale. However, the pursuit of profit is almost always combined with a loss of nutritional quality. As a result, the market is flooded with low-grade casein preparations, its counterfeits, analogues with a cheaper production chain.
To avoid meeting them, follow these simple rules:
- low cost - a reason to think about the quality of the purchased food;
- guarantee against counterfeiting and surrogate - the reputation of the manufacturer.
As far as athletes are concerned, different manufacturers are preferred in each sport. The coach will always tell you worthy.
Casein, produced in accordance with all the rules, using the necessary enzymes, does not harm human health. Customized dosage of curd protein enhances the pre-start performance of healthy men and women and guarantees excellent athletic performance.
Let us remind you again: taking this protein, like any other dietary supplement, requires a preliminary comprehensive examination by specialized specialists. Only a doctor's conclusion about the absence of contraindications to taking the drug serves as a guarantee of its beneficial effect on the athlete's body.
