Whey Protein

My daugher (16 yrs old) was in the hospital for 8 days with the West Nile Virus and Viral Meningitis. She has been out of the hospital for 5 weeks now. She's eating good and starting to gain some of her weight back (she lost 15 lbs). She currently weighs 125 lbs. She's an avid athlete, but this sickness has left her muscles very weak. Is it okay to add Whey Protein to her diet.....approx. 50 grams per day? A nutritionist, at a nursing home, said not to. I don't see any harm in it, but would like your opinion. Thanks.

[Renee Radenberg]

I agree with the other nutritionist. You daughter had serious illnesses in the past few months and it takes time for the body to recover. She is gaining weight, in the past 5 weeks, from eating right. We get enough protein from our diets and do not need additional protein supplementation. Too much protein could affect the kidneys. I suggest that she start to do some weight strengthen exercises, however, go slowly due to the body's weakened state and continue to eat healthy. Thank you for your question.