Does Protein Powder Contain Steroids? (The Answer)

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Published by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: September 16, 2024
Our content is meticulously researched and reviewed by an expert team of fact checkers and medical professionals. They ensure accuracy, relevance, and timeliness using the latest reputable sources, which are cited within the text and listed at the end of the article. Before publication and upon significant updates, we confirm factual accuracy, committed to providing readers with well-informed content. Learn more.

Scandals in the fitness industry and a lack of sports nutrition knowledge often lead to misinformation.

As someone who’s trained clients for over a decade, I hear all the fitness gossip. Recently, I heard a rumor that whey protein powder contains steroids.

So, I spent a week digging up information and reviewing various news articles, and, just like with most rumors in the fitness sphere, there was a bit of truth and a lot of lies involved.

Let’s get into it.

Quick Summary

  • Protein powder doesn't contain any form of anabolic steroid, and it has been proven by FDA.
  • Protein powders typically consist of protein isolate or concentrate, along with sugars, vitamins, minerals, binders, and flavoring, differing significantly from anabolic steroids in composition and function.
  • A study from the National Institutes of Health indicates that there's no established link between protein intake and kidney or liver issues, though caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
  • Considering the misinformation surrounding protein powders and steroids, in my opinion, it's crucial for consumers to educate themselves on the ingredients and benefits of supplements they choose to use.

Do Protein Powders Contain Anabolic Steroids?

Protein powder in a bowl

No, regular protein powders do not contain anabolic steroids.

When people bring up the false claim that protein powders contain steroids, they’re referring to performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids.

Just because protein powder and anabolic steroids share a common feature — facilitating muscle building — doesn’t make them the same type of substance.

What Are They Actually Made Of?

Having worked closely with nutritionists and supplement manufacturers, I've learned that protein powders usually consist of protein isolate or concentrate, along with sugars, vitamins, minerals, binders, and flavoring.

There are different kinds of protein powders, and each of them is composed of different base protein ingredients:

  • Whey protein: According to insights from Medical News Today, most whey protein products — like whey concentrate and isolate — are a mixture of beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, and immunoglobulins [1].
  • Plant protein: Plant-based protein powders are derived from various sources like brown rice, hemp, soy, and pea. They’re a good option for vegans or people with lactose intolerance.
  • Casein protein: Like whey supplements, casein is obtained from milk.
  • Egg protein: These are made from powdered egg whites.

The processing of powders does not require the addition of any steroids; however, they might support natural hormone production, which includes testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH).

“Whey protein powder is particularly helpful at raising HGH.”

- Dr. Sara Gottfried, MD, Women's Health Expert

Differences Between Protein Supplements and Steroids

Protein powder in a bowl

In my professional experience, I've seen how anabolic steroids and protein supplements differ significantly.

Composition

Anabolic steroids are synthetic or natural derivates of the male sex hormone testosterone. On the other hand, protein supplements are mainly composed of protein, a macronutrient.

While they both help build muscle, steroids do so by increasing testosterone levels exogenously. Protein builds muscle through muscle-protein synthesis.

Side Effects From Misuse

The dangers of misusing protein supplements result from overly high protein intake or poor supplements.

A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that although there's no established link between protein intake and kidney or liver issues, individuals with existing conditions affecting these organs might need to limit their protein powder consumption [2].

Also, people with certain conditions shouldn’t take protein supplements. For example, lactose-intolerant people should avoid casein and whey protein products.

According to insights from the study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), selecting whey protein isolate could be advantageous as it usually has a very small amount of lactose, or alternatively, picking a whey protein powder that includes lactase, the enzyme that aids in lactose digestion, might be a suitable option [3].

Steroid use and misuse pose severe threats to the human body. Some of these are high blood pressure, heart attacks, kidney failures, testicular cancer, and male sex characteristics in women [4]. 

Health Benefits

Other than muscle-building, the health benefits of protein supplements may depend on the other ingredients. But generally, optimal protein intake from whichever source, including powders, contributes to better health overall.

Steroids can be used for medical interventions like treating delayed puberty and muscle damage [5] [6].

Why Do Some People Think Protein Powders Contain Steroids?

Protein powder in a bowl

Some people think protein powders contain steroids because there have been many cases where low-quality protein powder led to health problems in users.

On top of that, some people think the muscle-building effects of protein powder are due to steroids.

Another reason why some might be inclined to believe protein products contain steroids is that there are a few recorded instances of illegal steroids or growth hormones being found in powders.

For example, the FDA from the state of Maharashtra in India recently found traces of steroids in certain brands of protein powders sold to the public [7].

Why Does Picking the Right Supplement Matter?

Close up of Protein powder in a bowl

Picking the right supplement matters because there are many untrusted brands in the fitness industry.

We’ve personally tested each of these products, and our clients have nothing but positive things to say about them:

Many brands try to make a quick buck by adding unnecessary and sometimes dangerous ingredients into their blends.

Here are some of the ingredients you need to watch out for:

  • Artificial sweeteners and flavors: Many companies will mask low-quality protein powders with artificial flavoring and sweeteners to distract you from the fact that their product is subpar. Some common ones are sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, neotame, and acesulfame K. In addition to being unnatural, these ingredients may cause headaches, gastric issues, mood swings, and weight gain in some people [8].
  • Fillers: Some supplements use fillers — many of which have no nutritional value — to increase the product quantity. Some commonly used ones are magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, starch, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, simethicone, vegetable gum, talc, and propylene glycol.
  • Thickeners and gum: These are usually manufactured from wheat, corn, and soy. They can cause gas and bloating in some people.
  • Fats and vegetable oil: These ingredients are usually added to whey protein powders to increase their richness. However, many of them are derived from processed and hydrogenated sources that contain unhealthy trans fats.

Many of these ingredients can negatively affect the quality of your protein, cause unpleasant side effects, and ultimately backtrack your fitness journey.

Go for a protein powder that contains all-natural ingredients, preferably one sold by a trusted brand.

FAQs

Can Someone On An Anabolic Steroid Cycle Consume Protein Powders?

Yes, someone on an anabolic steroid cycle may consume protein powder as part of the supplementation.  In fact, steroid users require more protein than natural lifters because they have an elevated rate of protein synthesis.

Taking steroids can also increase how much protein your body can use to build muscle.

What Supplements Contain Steroids?

Certain supplements like creatine, ginseng, ashwagandha, DAA, zinc, magnesium, DHEA, 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin, and many others contain “natural steroids”.

These compounds aren’t illegal substances and don’t carry the same physical or psychological side effects as illegal steroids. They are deemed “natural steroids” because of their contribution to hormonal health and muscle building.

How Much Protein Should an Average Person Take to Build Muscle?

An average person should take 1.2-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to build muscle (from 0.5g to 1g of protein per pound of body weight).

This range can vary depending on your body composition. Elite athletes usually take 1–2 grams per kilo of body weight.


References:

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263371
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1262767/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6669050/ 
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anabolic-steroid-misuse/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1030008/
  6. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Taking-Anabolic-Steroids-After-a-Sport-Injury.aspx
  7. https://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/steroids-in-muscle-building-protein-powders-fda-pune-orders-statewide-checks/story-biEiAkl4t0a6QFEc0CYmLL.html
  8. https://www.bmj.com/content/378/bmj-2022-071204
Was this article helpful?
YesNo

About The Author

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Sport & Exercise Science from University of Hertfordshire. He's a Health & Performance Coach from London that brings a unique blend of academic knowledge of health supplements and practical exercise experience to the table for his readers.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD is a published peer-reviewed author and renowned physician from India with over a decade of experience. With her MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and an MD from Rajiv Gandhi University, she actively ensures the accuracy of online dietary supplement and medical information by reviewing and fact-checking health publications.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Kristy June Dayanan, BS, MD is an author with a BS degree from University of the Philippines and an MD from University of Perpetual Help System. Her ability to simplify medical science complexities and dietary supplement jargon for the average reader makes her a valued medical fact checker and reviewer.
Learn more about our editorial policy

You May Also Like

Your best guide to the sexiest female golf players
By Christiana Mikesch, CPT 11 days ago
23 Hottest Female Golfers (Updated Daily)
Best Protein Powders for Elderly & Seniors
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 24 days ago
7 Best Protein Powders for Seniors & Elderly (2024 Updated)
A woman with small wrists wearing the best fitness tracker
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 23 days ago
10 Best Fitness Trackers for Small Wrists (2024 Updated)
Your guide as to when you can drink your protein powder
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 21 days ago
When Is the Best Time To Take Protein (According to Science)
Best Cheap Whey Protein Powders
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 21 days ago
7 Best Cheap Protein Powders (2024) Budget Whey Deals
Best Vegan Protein Powders
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 21 days ago
8 Best Vegan Protein Powders (2024 Updated) Buyer's Guide

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our scoring system is the result of objective testing data and subjective expert analysis by a team of fitness coaches and medical experts. Our scoring factors are weighted based on importance. For more information, see our product review guidelines.