Protein shakes bad for the liver?

sam heihei said:

I'm not sure if this is true or not but my family friend got taken to a specialist about the supplements that he was taking and found out that what he was drinking could cause potential liver problems? I'm not sure what it was that he was drinking but has anybody else been told or heard of this? :/

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chaserface said:

You're not the only one! Boy did I get an earful. I've been taking WPI for about 2 years as a dietary supplement.

Today I received 3rd-hand information, allegedly originally from an eminent gastroenterologist, who having worked with personal trainers and athletes over the past two decades, is of the view that "protein powders" (umbrella term) are responsible for liver problems.

Apparently, whey protein delivered in powder form is distinct from other natural sources of protein, in that it lacks certain fats (unspecified), which in unspecified quantities, are necessary for protein processing in the liver.

I'm trying to find out more details so I can properly research the claims, but so far the line of argument seems to be heading towards excess protein from high protein intake. It could also just be another case of "specialist advises against taking creatine". It could also just be a case of "moron replaces normal diet with whey protein".

Granted biology is my field of expertise, not human biology, once I have gathered said information I will post it here to see what everyone else thinks.

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