The Shocking Truth About MyProtein Supplements — Dangerous Risk or Deal of the Century?
The Definitive Usage Guide (2026 Edition)
MyProtein continues to saturate the UK market with cut-price powders and creatine, but are these supplements truly essential—or even safe? The answer is nuanced: staples like Impact Whey and Creapure creatine offer excellent value for muscle recovery and strength gains.
However, vigilance is key. Recent studies (2023-2025) highlight that digestive issues affect 15-30% of users, while acne flare-ups are common among sensitive individuals. This LBC analysis—at the intersection of sports nutrition, health, and aesthetics—delivers an honest breakdown: proven benefits, documented side effects, and a minimalist strategy to boost performance without draining your wallet.
1. MyProtein Decoded – Range, Pricing, and 2026 Positioning
MyProtein dominates the UK through a volume-based strategy: aggressive discounts and an exhaustive catalogue. The brand targets the pragmatic athlete seeking efficiency over the “premium” lifestyle marketing of US brands.
| Product | Target Audience | Avg. Price (2026 Promo) | Value Score | Best For… |
| Impact Whey | Beginners / Budget-conscious | £12-£18 / kg | 4/5 | Affordable recovery |
| The Whey | Advanced / Sensitive digestion | £25-£35 / kg | 3.5/5 | Fast absorption + enzymes |
| Creatine Monohydrate | Power / Strength athletes | £10-£15 / 500g | 5/5 | Pure explosive power |
| BCAAs 2:1:1 | Endurance / Cutting | £15-£20 / 500g | 3/5 | Anti-catabolism (niche) |
The LBC Verdict: MyProtein is “utilitarian,” not premium. In 2026, despite inflation, it remains roughly 30% cheaper than rivals like Optimum Nutrition while maintaining solid ISO certifications.
2. Documented Benefits – Performance and Recovery
Promises mean nothing without proof. Here is what the latest meta-analyses (Frontiers 2024, ISSN 2023) confirm:
- Whey Protein (Impact Whey): A 20-25g post-workout dose stimulates muscle protein synthesis. It is the ultimate tool if your dietary intake falls below 1.6g/kg of body weight.
- Creatine (Creapure): 99.9% purity. It increases phosphocreatine stores, allowing for a 5-15% strength increase in explosive movements.
- BCAAs: Their utility is questionable if total protein intake is sufficient. They are only truly beneficial during sessions exceeding 90 minutes or during extreme caloric deficits.
3. Side Effects and Health Risks – The 2023-2026 Findings
Listen to your body’s signals.
3.1 Digestive Distress (Frequency: High)
Bloating and gas affect approximately 20% of whey concentrate users.
- LBC Solution: Switch to Isolate (The Whey) or reduce your serving size to under 25g.
3.2 Skin and Acne (The IGF-1 Link)
Whey spikes IGF-1 and insulin production, which can trigger or worsen acne in predisposed individuals (PubMed 2023). If breakouts appear within two weeks of use, pause supplementation to confirm the link.
3.3 Kidney and Liver Health
In healthy athletes, no toxicity has been proven up to 2.2g of protein per kg. However, if you have undiagnosed kidney fragility, the increased filtration load can accelerate degradation. An annual blood test is recommended for heavy users.
3.4 Contaminants (Heavy Metals)
According to Consumer Reports 2025, MyProtein sits within the safe industry average for lead and cadmium levels.
- Expert Tip: Rotate your protein sources (plant-based, egg, meat) and switch brands every 4 months to prevent any trace metal bioaccumulation.
| Effect | Frequency | Risk Level | Corrective Action |
| Bloating | 25% | Low | Isolate or Enzymes |
| Acne | 10% | Cosmetic | Immediate cessation |
| Renal Strain | Rare | High (if pre-existing) | Urea/Creatinine blood test |
4. Realistic Dosage and Minimalist Strategy
The industry wants to sell you a 10-product “stack.” Here is the scientific reality for a 75kg athlete:
- Priority 0 (Diet): Hit 120g of protein via chicken, eggs, or lentils.
- The “P0” Essentials:
- Post-training: 1 scoop of Whey (25g).
- Daily: 3-5g of Creatine Monohydrate.
- Optional Surplus: BCAAs only if training fasted or for over 90 minutes.
5. MyProtein vs. Competitors – The 2026 Comparison
| Criteria | MyProtein | Optimum Nutrition | Nutripure (Premium/EU) |
| Price / kg | £15 – £18 | £25 – £28 | £30+ |
| Taste | Average (Artificial) | Excellent | Natural / Neutral |
| Additives | High (Sucralose) | Balanced | Minimalist |
| Transparency | Moderate | High | Very High |
FAQ – Evidence-Based Answers
- Does MyProtein whey damage kidneys? Not in healthy individuals. A PMC 2024 study confirms no long-term renal damage for protein intakes below 2.5g/kg.
- Impact Whey vs. Isolate: Which one? If you are lactose sensitive, Isolate is mandatory. If not, Impact Whey provides the same muscle benefits for 40% less.
- Are BCAAs useful for fat loss? No. They have no direct effect on fat oxidation. They purely serve to protect muscle mass during very restrictive dieting.
Final Verdict: The LBC / LaBonneCopine Review
In 2026, MyProtein remains a pragmatic choice: kind to your wallet, effective for your muscles. However, stay vigilant regarding digestion and skin health. Never replace a whole meal with a shake.
Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
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