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What is Liquid Protein?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,600
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Liquid protein is a suspension of protein in a fluid, such as water. There are a number of ways in which people use liquid protein, and this product is readily available at health food stores, drug stores, grocery stores, and stores which stock supplies for bodybuilding. Liquid proteins are manufactured by a wide range of companies and come in a broad array of formulations for different purposes.

Commonly, liquid protein is made with whey. Whey is a protein-rich milk solid which can be processed for inclusion in protein supplements. In addition to whey, liquid protein also usually includes vitamins and minerals which are designed to provide the consumer with a balanced nutritional blend. It is not intended as a long term meal replacement, however.

Patients are sometimes prescribed liquid protein after surgery on their stomachs or intestines. During recovery, the foods they can safely eat are limited, and nutritional supplements are used to ensure that they receive appropriate nutrition. As the patient heals, foods can gradually be added back into the diet until the patient is weaned from the liquid diet. Liquid supplements are also offered to patients who cannot tolerate solid food for other reasons, or who are trying to gain weight; in such cases, they will contain a mix of dietary elements, not just protein.

Historically, liquid protein was used as a weight loss aid, with people drinking protein shakes instead of meals. This practice has been questioned by some nutritionists, who argue that people may develop nutritional deficiencies which could lead to complications if they rely on such supplements as their primary source of nutrition. In the 1970s, when liquid protein diets were popular, doctors observed a number of complications in patients on such diets.

Bodybuilders use protein as a supplement which they consume after sessions in the gym in order to build muscle. Liquid protein shakes may also be consumed at other times during the day, depending on a bodybuilder's routine. These products are consumed in addition to regular meals.

Some companies make premixed liquid protein in containers which people simply need to shake and open. In other cases, this product is provided in a powder form and people mix it with liquid. Some people add protein powder to smoothies and similar drinks to conceal the taste, which is sometimes not very exciting. Others drink flavored liquid protein, with many companies offering a variety of flavors to appeal to different tastes.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By SarahSon — On Oct 12, 2012

I know most people struggle with losing weight, but I have a hard time keeping weight on. I have always been a thin person, but when I got really sick, I lost a lot of weight and haven't been able to keep in on very well since then.

Using liquid protein in the form of protein shakes is one thing I rely on to help me get the nutrition I need along with an energy boost. The premixed powders are really convenient, but they can also be more expensive. I usually just buy a big jar of this and try to add it to as many things as I can during the day along with drinking 3 shakes a day.

By honeybees — On Oct 11, 2012

My son is a bodybuilder and takes some kind of liquid protein at least twice a day. He is really into building his muscles and uses a product from the health food store that his personal trainer recommended to him. He doesn't use this as a meal replacement, but a way to consume calories, build body mass and keep his metabolism going.

By bagley79 — On Oct 11, 2012

The only way I have ever used a liquid protein supplement was in a powder form. I have a whey protein supplement that I mix in with other food for extra protein. This can be mixed with water or juice, but I don't care for the taste of it like this. It is vanilla flavored, but I still have a hard time drinking it alone.

I will add a scoop to my smoothies, to my oatmeal in the morning and in certain products I am baking like granola bars. This way I am getting the benefit of the protein without the taste. My dad used to put protein powder on his cold cereal in the morning, but I can't quite handle this taste either. For me, it has to be well blended with some other type of food.

By John57 — On Oct 10, 2012

When my sister was in a car accident she had a broken jaw and her jaw was wired shut for 6 weeks. During this time she lived on a liquid diet that included a lot of liquid protein drinks. While this was needed to make sure she got the nutrition she needed, I don't know if she has had one since then.

After going so long without solid food, she had to slowly introduce solids back into her diet. She said she got so sick of drinking protein shakes that she doesn't think she will ever have another one again.

If that is all you have to live on long term, I think no matter what you did, they would all start to taste the same after awhile.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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