Lupus-related digestive problems or treatment side effects can cause dips in your appetite. A few MyLupusTeam members have reported using protein powder for lupus in place of meals when they don’t feel like eating.

When it’s challenging to eat well, you may worry about getting enough protein. “After my low blood protein and now with the stomach troubles I’m having, I need a quick and efficient way of getting my daily [protein] requirement,” a MyLupusTeam member said.

Protein powder can be an easy way to add more protein to your diet when you don’t have much of an appetite, but protein powder alone usually does not provide all the nutrients in a balanced meal. But with so many options on the market, it’s hard to know what to buy and how it might affect your lupus.

“I’ve been wanting to make smoothies and add protein powder, but I’m afraid it might make me flare up,” another member shared.

Here are a few tips to get you started on finding the right protein powder if you have lupus.

Before running out to buy protein powder, it’s helpful to determine how much protein your body actually needs. Protein is an essential nutrient. You need to consume it regularly to survive.

Virtually every body system, from your immune system to your circulatory system, requires protein. Some of the richest sources include meat, dairy, eggs, beans, nuts, and seafood. But you can also get protein from whole grains.

Most adults need roughly six to eight servings of protein per day. Examples of a serving size include:

• A half cup of cooked beans
• One egg
• An ounce of meat or fish

Most adults need 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Research suggests that people with lupus should have a moderate amount of protein, following that general dietary recommendation too.

However, some people with kidney issues may need to restrict their protein intake. Your healthcare provider can let you know if you fall into that category.

You can get an idea of your baseline protein consumption by using a food journal or a food-tracking app to calculate your intake. If you’re getting enough protein from food, there’s no need to use supplementary powders. But if your diet is lacking and your healthcare provider thinks your body will benefit from more protein, protein powders can help.

Protein powders are usually marketed as fitness products that can help you build strong muscles. While that may be true, many brands are loaded with sugar or other sweeteners.

People with lupus should be particularly mindful of limiting sugar to support their general health. Avoiding added sugar may help people with lupus reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease.

When shopping for protein powders, check the ingredients listed on the label. Food manufacturers include added sugars and sweeteners under many different names, making them difficult to spot on long ingredient lists. Generally, an ingredient ending in “-ose” is a sugar, such as dextrose or maltose.

Other types of sweeteners include:

• Brown sugar
• Cane juice
• Fruit nectar
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Honey
• Molasses
• Pancake syrup

Some MyLupusTeam members buy plain or unflavored protein powders. One member wrote, “I just purchased a protein replacement yesterday made of whey. It has no other additives that concern me, like sugar substitutes.”

Flavorless protein can be added to various dishes, including baked goods and smoothies. With a quick online search, you can find recipes that include unflavored protein for foods such as muffins, hummus, soups, plant-based burgers, lasagna, desserts, and more.

You can sweeten your own protein shakes by blending in fruit and avoiding the high levels of sugar in already sweetened protein powder.

Many protein powders on the market contain ingredients derived from animals, such as eggs, whey, or casein. Some people with lupus choose plant-based proteins because of personal preference, lactose intolerance, allergies, or their overall eating pattern. Research has not shown that avoiding animal products specifically improves lupus, but it does indicate that including more plant-based foods can be helpful for symptom management.

Plenty of plant-based foods contain protein, including:

• Soy
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Lentils
• Peanuts
• Peas
• Beans
• Pumpkin seeds

Some protein powders are made using these plant-based proteins instead of animal products. But the way the protein powder is processed matters most. You’ll still want to read the food label and choose products that don’t have a lot of sugar or additives.

People with lupus may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation. Symptoms could be related to medications or the effects of lupus on the nervous system.

Diet can improve constipation or make it worse. Some people find that eating more protein leads to constipation. Balancing protein with gradually increasing your fiber and water intake can help minimize this unwanted effect.

You can choose a protein powder that contains fiber or add a fiber-rich food or supplement, such as psyllium husk or bran flakes. Increase fiber gradually and drink enough fluids. Adding too much fiber too quickly or taking psyllium without enough fluid can worsen digestive symptoms.

If you add protein powder to a smoothie, include fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables to ramp up the fiber and nutrient content for a health-promoting drink. You can also blend in some frozen chopped spinach for more fiber plus vitamins and minerals.

Protein powder is a dietary supplement, so check the full ingredient list before using it. Some products contain added vitamins, minerals, herbs, stimulants, or other ingredients that can interact with medicines or may not be appropriate for certain health conditions. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure whether a product is safe for you.

People with lupus nephritis or another kidney disease may need to avoid eating too much protein, but the right amount varies from person to person. Your healthcare team can recommend a protein target based on your kidney function, nutritional needs, and overall health.

You can meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist to help evaluate your diet and determine how much protein you’re getting through food. Focusing on whole food sources rather than protein powders may make it easier to avoid added sugars and preservatives.

Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist can help you develop a plan to stay well nourished and optimize your quality of life, even when you don’t feel like eating. Your protein needs depend on several factors, including kidney function, so tailored advice based on your labs and personal situation is helpful.

Which Protein Powders Are Safe for People With Lupus?

Choosing the right protein powder can be tricky, especially with so many different products on the market. While there’s no specific research on the best protein powder for lupus, here’s a basic overview of some key factors in plant versus whey protein powders.

When choosing any protein powder, look beyond the type of protein and check the product’s overall quality. Dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before they are sold. Products that have been tested by a reputable independent third party may offer more confidence that the label is accurate and that the product has been screened for contaminants.