If you have a sensitive digestive system, you may find that some protein powders suit you better than others. While the protein itself can sometimes be the cause of digestive discomfort, the overall ingredients, including additives like gums, emulsifiers and sweeteners, may also play a role for some people.
Understanding what’s in your protein powder can help you make a more informed choice if you’re experiencing digestive discomfort or other symptoms.
Additives and Their Effect on Gut Bacteria
Artificial additives are commonly added to mainstream protein powders to improve texture and mixability.
Some people find that products containing these ingredients don’t agree with them, particularly if they already have a sensitive digestive system. Research is ongoing into how certain food additives interact with the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria, viruses and fungi that normally live in the gut), but individual tolerance can vary considerably.
If you’re trying to identify what’s causing digestive discomfort, choosing an additive-free protein powder may help you work out whether these ingredients are a factor.
Emulsifiers and Intestinal Inflammation
Emulsifiers like soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, and polysorbate 80 are used to stop mixtures separating.
Some research has suggested that emulsifiers may exacerbate intestinal inflammation, affect the gut microbiome, and alter the intestinal barrier. For people already managing an inflammatory gut condition, emulsifiers may therefore exacerbate symptoms.
Artificial Sweeteners and Dysbiosis
Protein powders vary widely in how they are sweetened. Some contain artificial sweeteners, while others are unsweetened or use naturally occurring sugars.
Research into the effects of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome is still evolving, and people’s digestive responses differ. Some studies have shown that sweeteners can affect the gut microbiome and damage the intestinal barrier. This could upset the balance within the digestive tract microbiome (a process called dysbiosis).
If you notice symptoms after using protein, it may be worth trying a product with a simpler ingredients list to see whether it makes a difference. Check out our range of additive-free organic whey protein powders here.
Digestive discomfort can also be related to factors such as lactose intolerance, the type of protein used or an underlying digestive condition. You can read more about protein and gut health in our article featuring consultant colorectal dietitian Sophie Medlin.
If symptoms persist, speak to your GP.
Additive-Free Organic Protein
At The Organic Protein Co., we keep our protein powders as simple as possible. Choosing an additive-free protein powder eliminates the risk of additives causing digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
We use cold-filtered organic whey protein and add just a few real ingredients to our blends for an authentic taste. Although all whey proteins are classified as NOVA Group 4 ultra-processed, ours is free from the additives most associated with UPF concerns, including gums, emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners. Although no whey protein is UPF-free, if you’re comparing protein powders because of digestive symptoms, looking at the ingredients list is a sensible place to start.
To find out how we approach ultra-processing, read our full guide here.
