Are protein shakes good for Crohn's disease?: Choosing the Right Supplement

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Malnutrition affects up to 85% of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease, making adequate protein intake a critical concern. However, whether protein shakes are good for Crohn's disease depends entirely on the type of shake, its ingredients, and an individual's specific symptoms and triggers.

Quick Summary

Protein shakes can be a useful tool for meeting increased protein needs in Crohn's patients, especially during flares, but the suitability depends on the shake's composition. Plant-based and hydrolyzed protein shakes are often better tolerated than whey, which can cause dairy-related symptoms. Careful selection is necessary to avoid trigger ingredients like high fiber, artificial sweeteners, and certain fats.

Key Points

Nutritional Support: Protein shakes can be a useful tool for meeting the increased protein needs associated with Crohn's disease, especially during periods of active inflammation.
Avoid Whey Protein: For many with Crohn's, whey protein is problematic due to lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity, which can trigger or worsen GI symptoms.
Choose Plant-Based Options: Plant-based protein powders like pea, rice, and hemp are often better tolerated alternatives for those with Crohn's and are typically dairy-free.
Prioritize Easily Digested Formulas: Hydrolyzed protein formulas, including elemental and semi-elemental versions, are pre-digested and can be beneficial during severe flares or for those with malabsorption.
Watch for Additives: Be cautious of shakes with artificial sweeteners, high fiber, or other additives that can irritate the gut lining and exacerbate symptoms.
Consult a Dietitian: It is best to work with a registered dietitian specializing in IBD to create a personalized nutritional plan and ensure any supplements are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
Whole Foods First: When in remission, prioritize obtaining protein from a wide variety of well-tolerated whole food sources, using shakes as a supplement rather than a replacement.

The role of protein in managing Crohn's disease

Protein is a crucial macronutrient for individuals with Crohn's disease, particularly during periods of inflammation, known as flare-ups. The body's need for protein increases during flares to help repair damaged intestinal tissue and support immune function. However, malabsorption due to inflammation and reduced food intake from a decreased appetite can lead to protein-energy malnutrition. Protein shakes can serve as a concentrated, easy-to-digest source of this vital nutrient, but not all shakes are suitable for everyone with Crohn's.

Protein requirements during flares and remission

Dietary protein needs change significantly depending on disease activity. During remission, protein needs are similar to the general population (approximately 1 gram per kilogram of body weight). In contrast, during an active flare-up, protein requirements increase to help the body heal and combat inflammation (1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight). In these instances, a physician or registered dietitian specializing in IBD can help determine an appropriate intake level.

Navigating the pitfalls of conventional protein shakes

Standard protein shakes, particularly those containing whey protein, can be problematic for many with Crohn's due to their dairy content. A high percentage of people with IBD also have lactose intolerance, and consuming dairy can trigger symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Beyond the base protein, other common ingredients in commercial shakes can also cause issues:

Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: These can exacerbate GI symptoms and are often poorly tolerated.
High fiber content: Certain added fibers, especially insoluble ones from raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can be difficult to digest and trigger symptoms, particularly for those with intestinal strictures.
Additives and thickeners: Emulsifiers, thickeners, and colorings added to many shakes can also irritate the gut.

The best protein shakes for Crohn's disease

When choosing a protein shake for Crohn's, the focus should be on simplicity and tolerability. Plant-based and hydrolyzed proteins are often the most recommended options due to their digestibility.

Commonly recommended protein shake options:

Plant-Based Shakes: Made from sources like pea, rice, or hemp protein, these are dairy-free and often lower in common allergens. Some brands, like OWYN and Kate Farms, are often recommended by dietitians for their minimal ingredients and low allergen profile.
Elemental and Semi-Elemental Formulas: For individuals with moderate to severe Crohn's, elemental or semi-elemental formulas contain proteins that are already broken down into amino acids or smaller peptides. This reduces the workload on the digestive tract and can significantly improve nutrient absorption. Brands like Kate Farms offer semi-elemental options suitable for oral consumption.
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: Some individuals who tolerate small amounts of dairy may benefit from hydrolyzed whey protein, which has been pre-digested to make it easier to absorb. However, it is still crucial to test individual tolerance.

Comparison of common protein shakes for Crohn's disease


Feature	Conventional Whey Protein	Plant-Based Protein (Pea/Rice)	Hydrolyzed Protein (Whey/Collagen)
Source	Dairy (milk)	Plants (pea, rice, hemp, soy)	Dairy (pre-digested whey) or animal tissue (collagen)
Tolerability	Often poorly tolerated by those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity; may worsen symptoms during flares	Generally well-tolerated, especially for those who are dairy-free or sensitive to milk proteins	Very easily digested and absorbed; reduces strain on the gut; can be used in flares
Key benefit for Crohn's	Not recommended for most, particularly during active inflammation.	Avoids dairy triggers and provides a complete protein source.	Maximum nutrient absorption with minimal digestion; can aid gut repair and reduce inflammation
Best for	Individuals in long-term remission with proven dairy tolerance. Consult a doctor.	Most people with Crohn's, especially those with dairy sensitivity or during flare-ups.	Individuals with severe malabsorption, significant flares, or severe dairy intolerance.

Using protein shakes effectively with Crohn's disease

Incorporating protein shakes into a Crohn's-friendly diet requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some tips for maximizing their benefits while minimizing risks:

Choose the right liquid base: Instead of milk, use water, lactose-free milk, almond milk, or rice milk, depending on your personal tolerance.
Start simple: Begin with a minimal number of ingredients to more easily identify potential triggers. Add simple flavorings like a banana or a few berries, making sure to adjust preparation (e.g., blending) to improve tolerability.
Listen to your body: Pay close attention to how your body reacts to new ingredients. Symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea indicate that an ingredient may not be tolerated. Keep a food diary to help track potential triggers.
Don't forget whole foods: While shakes can supplement protein, a balanced diet is still essential. When in remission, gradually reintroduce a wider variety of well-tolerated whole foods, including lean proteins like fish and poultry, to ensure a diverse nutrient intake.
Consult a professional: It is highly recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian specializing in IBD before making any significant changes to your diet, including the introduction of protein supplements. They can help tailor a nutritional plan to your specific needs and disease state.

Conclusion

For individuals with Crohn's disease, protein shakes can be a beneficial way to meet elevated protein and calorie needs, especially during periods of active inflammation. However, the choice of supplement is paramount. While traditional whey protein can often trigger symptoms due to lactose, plant-based and hydrolyzed protein shakes offer safer, more digestible alternatives. By carefully selecting products with minimal additives and consulting with a healthcare professional, people with Crohn's can use protein shakes to support healing, combat malnutrition, and improve overall well-being. Ultimately, a personalized approach to nutrition is the most effective strategy for managing Crohn's disease symptoms and achieving long-term remission.

Potential risks of poorly chosen protein supplements

Choosing the wrong type of protein shake can cause more harm than good for those with Crohn's. The following table highlights the risks associated with common supplement components:


Ingredient Category	Potential Risk for Crohn's Patients	Better Alternatives
Dairy-Based Proteins (Whey, Casein)	Common trigger for lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.	Plant-based proteins (pea, rice, hemp) or lactose-free formulas.
Artificial Sweeteners & Sugar Alcohols	May cause gastrointestinal distress, gas, and diarrhea.	Unsweetened or naturally sweetened (e.g., stevia in small amounts) options.
Insoluble Fiber (nuts, seeds)	Difficult to digest, especially with intestinal strictures; can cause obstruction.	Low-fiber or soluble fiber sources from cooked fruits or vegetables.
Additives & Thickeners	Can irritate the gut lining and trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.	Shakes with a minimal ingredient list and no added emulsifiers.

Working closely with a healthcare team is essential to ensure that any supplement choices support, rather than hinder, the management of Crohn's disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Crohn's patients should avoid conventional whey protein, as it is dairy-based and many people with IBD also have lactose intolerance, which can trigger symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

During a flare-up, easily digestible options like semi-elemental or elemental formulas are recommended, as they contain pre-digested proteins that minimize the digestive system's workload. Plant-based protein shakes can also be a good option if tolerated.

Some research suggests that plant-based proteins can have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for an inflammatory condition like Crohn's. They also help avoid potential inflammatory triggers found in some animal proteins.

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. A healthcare provider can perform tests to confirm lactose intolerance, but paying attention to your body's response to dairy can also provide clues.

While protein shakes can contribute to weight management, it is critical to consult a dietitian. Poor appetite and weight loss are common in Crohn's, and the goal is often to maintain or gain weight, not lose it.

For Crohn's, avoid shakes with dairy-based proteins, artificial sweeteners, high insoluble fiber, and chemical additives like emulsifiers and thickeners, as these can trigger digestive issues.

Yes, homemade shakes can be safer because you control the ingredients. Use a low-lactose milk alternative, well-tolerated fruits like bananas or cantaloupe, and a plain, easily digestible protein powder.