are there persons who shouldn't take whey protein isolate? people are extolling it as a must in everyone's diet.

milk allergies and kidney problems i suppose.

any others?,,,,

kidney problems ONLY if the person has problems consuming normal protein from meat, eggs, etc.

the whole 'kidney' issue and protein powder stemmed from a few people with exisiting kidney problems who consumed a TON of protein (not just from powder) and not enough liquid to flush it thru the system.

and it doesnt' HAVE to be in your diet...its just that many many people find its easier to hit recommended protein intake for 'athletes' if they knock back a shake or two a day. its convenient and quick...everyone leads a busy life.

Exactly. It's just a convenience food, and shouldn't be your main source of protein.

Some people find that protein shakes make them queasy, in which case, I don't think it would be worth it.

The kidney issue has been disputed back and forth a lot. I would think that someone with kidney problems wouldn't want to take the risk over a convenience food, but that depends on that person, what their condition is, what their doctor says, etc.

I say you don't need to take it if you're already taking your recommended daily intake on protein. The average population gets way more than enough protein. Only time you really need to watch your protein intake is if you're training, or doing some type of special diet (I have no idea why you would be doing this though) where you don't eat enough protein or missing some important amino acid.

well, the 'average population' is a bunch of obese sedentary people.
and the US RDA for protein is the 'bare ass minimum to keep you a moderately healthy, obese, sedentary person'.

Also, for fat loss, many people find that lowering carb intake helps, but that causes a large calorie drop, and dropping too lower puts you in starvation mode which is not great for fat loss. So, you make up for those calories with protien and fat.

another group of people that can have protein issues: vegans and vegetarians. animal proteins are complete, plant proteins are not, and can lead to deficiencies. I personally don't feel soy is a smart protein source...way too much conflicting data out there, and way too many people seem to get upset stomachs, gassy, bloated, from taking in soy in more than very small quantities.

I am a young woman in college, and I workout 4 to 5 times a week. I have been considering taking protien, my boyfriend drinks protien & milk, I thought I might try, but I wanted some advice first. Do ya'll think it is smart for a younger girl who is NOT looking to put on weight, but to lose just a tad and tone to drink protien shakes, and how many a day?? ( I am 5'7'' almost 5'8'' and about 120 lbs.) and if ya'll don't think I should be drinking protien shakes, what SHOULD I be taking?? THANKSSS!