Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO We have mentions of whey protein on many threads, but no dedicated discussion on the same, hence starting this new thread for solid advice.
My gym trainer has recommended Whey Protein to me. Ran it by my doctor and he too has suggested the same. I gym 6 days a week and am a pure vegetarian.
1. Please share the best brands, products & recommendations.
2. Also reliable sources to buy from? Have been told there are a lot of fakes in the market.
3. Any other tips & advice.
Muchas gracias (thank you very much  ). |
I’ve been working out consistently for a few years now and tend to do my own research before adopting any new fitness habit. Thought I’d share my experience with whey protein, as I’ve seen a lot of misinformation floating around — especially for beginners.
1.
Whey is Not Harmful – It’s a Supplement, Not a Steroid
When I first started, many people cautioned me against whey as if it were some kind of performance-enhancing drug. That’s completely inaccurate. Whey is a by-product of cheese production, it’s literally the liquid left over from milk. It’s dried into powder and becomes a protein supplement. Especially in India, where protein intake is typically low, whey is a very reasonable way to bridge the gap.
2.
Kidney Damage Myth
One common myth is that long-term whey use damages the kidneys. I’ve been consuming whey almost daily for 5 years and undergo full-body health tests every 6 months, my kidney function is absolutely normal. The key is to stay well-hydrated, with or without supplements.
3.
Timing – Not as Rigid as People Think
While there are studies suggesting better muscle protein synthesis if consumed post-workout (within 30–60 mins) or before bed (casein is preferred for nighttime), in general, you can consume whey anytime. It’s about hitting your daily protein requirement, not obsessing over the clock.
4.
How Much to Take
This varies by individual. I typically take 1.5 scoops a day, based on the general guideline of 1–1.5g of protein per kg of body weight. That includes both whey and dietary sources like dal, paneer, eggs, meat, etc.
5.
Ways to Consume Whey
I prefer whey in a shake, but occasionally mix unflavored whey into my regular atta (for rotis) or add it to homemade idli/dosa batter.
Whey Brands I’ve Personally Used: 1. MyProtein – Good quality, but does contain artificial sweeteners/flavors. Used to be imported from the UK, though now has local sourcing in India. One of my shipments got stuck earlier, so I know this first-hand.
2. The Whole Truth – An Indian brand I’ve come to like a lot. Very clean ingredient list and good flavor. Been using it regularly for 2 years with great results.
3. ON (Optimum Nutrition) – My first-ever protein, bought from a trusted supplement store in Chandigarh (Sector 35). Quality was great, but now that they’ve set up shop in India, I’m unsure if the same standards are being maintained.
4. GNC / MuscleTech – International brands with good reputation — as long as you’re buying genuine products. Desertcart is one place to look for imported options.
5. Others I’m Eyeing –
Wellbeing Nutrition and TrueBasics – mostly because they claim third-party testing, which adds credibility in an often murky supplements market.
Notes on Quality & Testing:
There was a study last year where protein supplements were tested for actual vs. claimed content. Some discrepancies were noted, but even the testing method allows a ±10% variance. The bigger concern is heavy metal content, so brands that submit batches for third-party testing (e.g., Clean Label Project) should be prioritized. Wellbeing Nutrition was among the few Indian brands listed there.
Where I Buy From:
1. Direct brand websites.
2. For newer brands (like The Whole Truth, TrueBasics), I’ve safely used Blinkit and Instamart — these are usually direct-sold by the brand themselves. You get more discounts.
TL;DR – Don’t fear whey. It’s just dairy protein. Choose trusted brands, ensure batch testing or clean-label certification if possible, and focus on overall protein intake, not just the supplement.
Hope this helps fellow fitness enthusiasts here! Happy to answer any questions.