Meta Information
ID:protein-powder
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-06-03T22:21:05.044045Z
Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro
Interactions
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa
Target name:
Levodopa
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
The amino acids in protein powder compete with levodopa for absorption from the gut and transport into the brain, which can reduce the drug's effectiveness in managing Parkinson's symptoms.
Actionable advice:
Protein powder intake and levodopa doses should be separated by at least 2 hours.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
We conclude that interference with absorption of levodopa by food and by competition between large neutral amino acids and levodopa for transport from plasma to the brain may be partly responsible for the fluctuating clinical response in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Label source:
PubMed: 6694694
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine
Target name:
Levothyroxine
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Calcium and iron, often found in fortified protein powders (especially milk-based ones), can bind to levothyroxine in the digestive tract, significantly reducing its absorption and efficacy.
Actionable advice:
Protein powder intake and the levothyroxine dose should be separated by at least 4 hours.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Mean free T4 and total T4 levels were significantly reduced during the calcium period and increased after calcium discontinuation.
Label source:
PubMed: 10838651
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Medications may sometimes interfere with the intestinal absorption of levothyroxine, primarily by forming an insoluble complex with the thyroid hormone in the intestinal lumen.
Label source:
PubMed: 17725434
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
A decrease in the absorption of LT4 is established and clinically significant when administered concomitantly with cholestyramine, colesevelam, lanthanum, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium acetate, iron sulfate, ciprofloxacin, aluminum hydroxide, sevelamer, or proton pump inhibitors.
Label source:
PubMed: 28153426
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/bisphosphonates
Target name:
Bisphosphonates
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
1
Description:
The absorption of bisphosphonate drugs for osteoporosis is extremely low and is severely reduced by food, particularly calcium-rich sources like whey or casein protein powders.
Actionable advice:
Bisphosphonates should be taken with plain water at least 60 minutes before consuming protein powder or any other food.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Oral bioavailability (BA) of BPs ranges from 0.6 to 1% due to poor absorption through gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Label source:
PubMed: 24404750
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/rapamycin
Target name:
Rapamycin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
24
Description:
Protein, especially leucine-rich whey, strongly activates the mTOR pathway. This directly counteracts the intended mTOR-inhibiting effect of rapamycin used for longevity purposes.
Actionable advice:
High-protein meals, including protein powder, should be avoided for at least 24 hours after taking a weekly dose of rapamycin.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Administration of the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, to humans blocks the increase in skeletal muscle protein synthesis in response to resistance exercise or amino acid ingestion.
Label source:
PubMed: 22959478
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In a series of clinical studies on male and female participants ( NCT03946774 and NCT03994367 ) that involved graded amounts of protein ingestion together with detailed plasma amino acid analysis and human monocyte/macrophage experiments, we identify leucine as the key activator of mTOR signalling in macrophages.
Label source:
PubMed: 38409323
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/chronic-kidney-disease
Target name:
Chronic Kidney Disease
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
High protein loads increase the filtration workload on the kidneys, which can accelerate the decline of renal function in individuals with pre-existing kidney impairment.
Actionable advice:
In chronic kidney disease, large protein loads strain the kidneys. Have your nephrologist set a daily protein target and stay within it rather than free-pouring protein powder.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
A higher protein intake was significantly associated with a more rapid kidney function decline in post-MI patients.
Label source:
PubMed: 30768201
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
This narrative review highlights the harmful impact of a high-protein diet on kidney function, particularly for those with preexisting kidney impairment or a predisposition to CKD.
Label source:
PubMed: 40739997
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/phenylketonuria-pku
Target name:
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Individuals with the genetic disorder PKU lack the enzyme to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, found in all complete proteins, leading to its toxic buildup in the blood.
Actionable advice:
All standard protein powders should be avoided completely with PKU; only prescribed medical formulas should be used.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Phenylketonuria is an inherited metabolic disorder characterised by an absence or deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase.
Label source:
PubMed: 25723866
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The traditional treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU) is a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet, supplemented with a Phe-free/low-Phe protein substitute.
Label source:
PubMed: 33807079
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/resistance-training
Target name:
Resistance Training
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Resistance training creates a stimulus for muscle growth, and consuming protein provides the essential amino acids needed to repair and build muscle tissue (muscle protein synthesis).
Actionable advice:
For optimal muscle repair and growth, protein powder should be consumed within 2 hours after completing a resistance training session.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Pre/postexercise and Night are key recommended times of protein intake to increase muscle mass and strength, respectively.
Label source:
PubMed: 38039960
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Resistance exercise potentiates the aminoacidemia-induced rise in MPS that, when repeated over time, results in gradual radial growth of skeletal muscle (i.e., hypertrophy).
Label source:
PubMed: 29414855
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/sarcopenia
Target name:
Sarcopenia (Age-Related Muscle Loss)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Higher protein intake, particularly from leucine-rich sources like whey, helps overcome anabolic resistance in older adults, stimulating muscle protein synthesis to counter age-related muscle loss.
Actionable advice:
Protein powder can help meet the increased daily protein requirements (1.2-1.6 g/kg body weight) for managing sarcopenia.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
WP significantly increased the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMD: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.71), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (SMD: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.45) and gait speed (SMD: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.82, 1.44) in older patients with sarcopenia.
Label source:
PubMed: 38350303
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
This 13-week intervention of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein oral nutritional supplement resulted in improvements in muscle mass and lower-extremity function among sarcopenic older adults.
Label source:
PubMed: 26170041
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/chelating-antibiotics
Target name:
Chelating Antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Quinolones)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Minerals like calcium, iron, or zinc often added to protein powders can bind to these antibiotics in the gut, preventing their absorption and reducing their infection-fighting effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
These antibiotics are best taken at least 2 hours after or 4 hours before consuming mineral-fortified protein powder.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Absorption of both antibiotics was significantly decreased by administration with iron (77% inhibition with minocycline and 81% with tetracycline), milk (27% inhibition with minocycline, 65% with tetracycline), and food (13% inhibition with minocycline and 46% with tetracycline).
Label source:
PubMed: 3838321
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Tetracyclines have a high affinity to form chelates with polyvalent metallic cations such as Fe+++, Fe++, Al+++, Mg++ and Ca++. Many of these tetracycline-metal complexes are either insoluble or otherwise poorly absorbable from the gastro-intestinal tract.
Label source:
PubMed: 946598
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/iron-supplements
Target name:
Iron Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Casein (from milk) and phytates (from soy) are components in some protein powders that can bind to non-heme iron in the gut, reducing its absorption.
Actionable advice:
Iron supplements and casein or soy protein powder should be separated by at least 2 hours for best absorption.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
It is concluded that phytic acid is a major inhibitory factor of iron absorption in soy-protein isolates but that other factors contribute to the poor bioavailability of iron from these products.
Label source:
PubMed: 1503071
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Similar results were found for meals prepared with soy flour (full fat, defatted, and texturized) and soy protein concentrates, whereas iron bioavailability from soy protein isolates may be reduced.
Label source:
PubMed: 40020920
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/wound-healing
Target name:
Wound Healing (Post-Surgery/Injury)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Adequate protein is a fundamental requirement for synthesizing new tissue, collagen, and immune cells necessary for effective wound healing and recovery.
Actionable advice:
Sufficient total daily protein intake, using supplements if needed, is a good idea during recovery from injury or surgery.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Current anticatabolic therapeutic strategies include glycemic control and perioperative nutrition in combination with optimal pain control and the avoidance of preoperative starvation.
Label source:
PubMed: 25588775
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Upon injury, successful wound healing in normal skin restores tissue damage and counteracts the loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cells.
Label source:
PubMed: 38483134
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/lactose-intolerance
Target name:
Lactose Intolerance
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Whey protein concentrate contains lactose, a milk sugar that can cause significant bloating, gas, and diarrhea in individuals who cannot digest it properly.
Actionable advice:
If you are lactose intolerant, choose whey protein isolate, hydrolysate, or a plant-based protein powder.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The ingestion of 500 ml of the low-lactose milk gave rise to significantly (p less than 0.05) fewer symptoms than regular skim milk.
Label source:
PubMed: 6424228
Action type:
informational_none