Question:
Does caffeine affect, weaken, or destroy soy protein supplements?

I am having a terrible time finding a GOOD soy protein drink......But I found it. It is Health Source chocolate. I mix 2 scoops of powder(26 g protein) with coffie and ice. It is wonderful. (I can't do milk at all, not even lactate free milk). My question is.... does the coffee (caffine) effect the protein in any way? Thanks alot. sandy    — sandy W. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 10, 2002
My response is to the soy part of the question, not the caffeine. I was told by a nutritionist that soy products irritate our intestines and to use whey. She said that soy products' qualities are overrated and didn't recommend tofu either. Because the caffeine is a diuretic, you may think about adding more liquid to your daily totals.
   — Marti R.

August 10, 2002
I don't know if caffine affects soy protein but , like the previous poster said, WHEY protein is much better absorbed than the SOY protein. DESIGNER Whey Protein powder and bars are great tasting in my opinion. I have tried many and this brand is by far my absolute favorite! About the coffee, why not try *lite* coffee and then gradually go to decaf? Caffine will effect your water intake post op. Getting our water in is extemely important, and caffine is no good.
   — Kim B.

August 10, 2002
I am one year post-op and have done very well all year on soy products. In addition to being lactose-intolerant, I follow a strictly kosher diet, so my choices are even more limited. My nutritionist has been pleased with the choices I've made. I, too, had trouble finding a tolerable soy protein powder, but I finally found one that I love. It's from www.revivalhealth.com. I buy the unsweetened vanilla. (They also sell unflavored and chocolate.) In the beginning, I mixed one packet with 12 oz. hot water, lots of Sweet 'N' Low, and a spoonful of instant decaf coffee crystals. Now I prefer to leave out the coffee most of the time, but that's based on taste, not because of any problem with the coffee. I much prefer it hot, but others prefer it as a cold shake. Each packet has 20 g. protein, but I suppose you could add protein by mixing it with soy milk instead of water. Until I found the Revival, I was not getting enough protein. Now there are many days that I can get enough protein in the foods I eat, but I still like the Revival for breakfast.
   — Debbie C.

August 11, 2002
Thanks for the advice but Whey protein is a milk based product and I CAN"T do milk in any form. That is why the soy is better for me. It may not be the best choice (by some standards) but it's all I can do at this time. Maybe later on my intollerence to milk products will change. I have not had any problems (yet) with my intestines. Thanks
   — sandy W.

August 11, 2002
Just in case it helps, I am completely lactose intolerant--much more than a T of ranch dressing & I'm in misery. Whey is separated from milk, so there is usually no lactose (unless added back in). People with the sinus portion of milk allergy also tolerate whey products very well.
   — vitalady