Question:
Do protein drinks

I read in a previous post that, after mixing with liquid, whey protein must be consumed within an hour or the protein starts to break down (I mix mine with water). Another post said you cannot boil whey protein. I have unflavored protein powder that I add to fat-free cream soups (that I obviously heat up although I avoid boiling the soup.) I also mix up a days worth of my protein drink, store it in the fridge and drink several servings throughout the day and evening. Am I really losing my protein by using these methods? Thanks for any information.    — Carly H. (posted on March 8, 2004)

March 8, 2004
The advice that's most often repeated is that you should consume your protein powder drink within half an hour of mixing it up, for one of two reasons: (1) the protein begins to "break down" after that time, and/or (2) bacteria begins to grow. Refrigeration may make a difference in the time frame (I tend to freeze my drink to a slush, which sometimes means it's a little longer than half an hour before I remember to drink it). My understanding is that these basic "rules" emanate from the manufacturers. But really, who knows.<P>I contacted my protein powder manufacturer by email and by phone with a specific question once (not on this topic), and they eventually had a chemist call me back to answer it. It was worth the effort in that case.<P>So ... I would suggest contacting the manufacturer of your protein powder (many have website or 800 numbers) and asking them what's the deal with the product you're using. I'd want to make sure that mixing it up and sticking it in the fridge for that long is okay, from the protein-breakdown and bacteria-growing perspectives (or whatever other issues there may be).<P>As far as flavor-free protein supps go, I recall reading on the back of the ProCel stuff I used as a fresh postie that I could bake with it, or mix it into hot liquids, but couldn't bring it to a boil. Again, if it's not clear on the label, I'd contact the manufacturer to confirm general advice you see here, as these products may differ one from another.
   — Suzy C.

March 8, 2004
I agree with Suzy. The flavorless protein PROBABLY should not be "heated" with the soup. However, you could stir it into the completed soup. Difference there. A lil too subtle for me, but that's the mfr talking. The problem with leaving protein products sit is that they are predigested. So, the digestion process has begun when you mix it up, hence the rapid bacterial growth. For example, if you spill it on your clothes, treat it as you would a blood stain. I take a LOT of protein but personally would not touch one that had been sitting more than about 30 min., in or out of the fridge, covered or not
   — vitalady

March 9, 2004
Carly honey, I'm SO SORRY. When you sent me the email I read it and called the health food store I go to most often. I didn't forget about you but my semester has started and I'm HUSTLING to keep up with such a full schedule *full time student helping run a Home Improvement/Electrical Contracting company*. Here's what I was told: That I was correct in that the protein should be consumed within/up to an hour of mixing. He said protein does break down and in some *he named them but I don't remember the names* bacteria starts to form. He said the best way to find out if your protein is one that prone to bacteria growth is to sit your mixed drink in a closed container and leave it out for two-three days. He said there would be a noticable smell THROUGH the container. My experiment: Well, I tried the sealed container thing and forgot that I'd mixed the drink and put it to the side. At the end of the second day I kept telling my husband that their was something dead either under the kitchen window or in the vent on that side of kitchen. I never remembered that darned container. I tend to go into my kitchen and don't bother to use the overhead light since I always figured the light from the window was enough for my needs. Well, had I turned the light on I would have seen the container *same color as the counter top, blended right in* It smelled like dead animal and my poor husband had to go out and dig the snow up under the kitchen window thinking there was a dead animal under there. My poor DH was PISSED when he didn't find a dead animal under the snow *that meant he had to climb the ladder to check the vent*. Well as he was dragging the ladder out I happened to turn on the light and start digging around in one of the cabinets as I'm doing that I looked down and saw the container. It then dawned on me that the smell was ALWAYS strongest in that area. I sniffed the lid and sure enough that's where the smell was coming from, it was horrendous. I flushed that mess down the toilet and THREW THE CONTAINER OUT. There was NO way I was going to ever get that horrid smell out of the plastic so it made no sense to keep it. Again, I'm so sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Please forgive me.
   — Niobe