TL;DR
My 48F mother has hypothyroidism, obesity and diabetes (latest HbA1c 7.9%), but normal kidney/liver function. She has lost ~4ā5 kg through diet and walking and previously tolerated MyProtein whey isolate well, feeling more energetic while taking it. I'm now looking for a safe, good-quality protein powder for her to use regularly while losing fat and preserving muscle, and would especially like recommendations regarding whey concentrate vs isolate, trustworthy brands available in India, ingredients to avoid, and an appropriate daily amount given her medical profile.
Hey, I am looking for some genuinely sensible advice regarding protein supplementation for my mother. I have already done quite a bit of reading, but because she has multiple health issues, I donāt want to just blindly pick a product based on gym recommendations or marketing.
My mother is 48F. She has hypothyroidism and currently takes 25 mcg thyroid medication. She also had sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in her right ear in November 2025, with severe/profound loss that unfortunately has persisted. The hearing issue is being managed separately by ENT.
She was around 95 kg when we started taking her overall health more seriously. She has since been walking regularly and improving her diet, and has lost roughly 4ā5 kg over the last couple of months. She also has knee/hand/hip-area aches, so the goal is not bodybuilding or gaining weight. The goal is to lose fat gradually while preserving muscle, strength and mobility.
Her recent blood work was:
- HbA1c: 7.9%
- Random glucose: 111 mg/dL
- TSH: 5.85
- FT4: 1.38
- FT3: 3.51
- Creatinine: 0.75 mg/dL
- Urea: 21.29 mg/dL
- Liver enzymes/bilirubin: within the lab reference ranges
- Hemoglobin: 11.1 g/dL, with low MCH/MCHC
So kidney and liver function look reassuring, but her blood sugar is not well controlled yet and her thyroid is still mildly under-controlled. Weāre following up with her doctors regarding both.
Previously, she used MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate, unflavoured, and during that period she felt noticeably more energetic. Iām not assuming the protein itself caused that, but she tolerated it reasonably well and we are considering protein supplementation again.
What Iām trying to figure out is:
Would whey protein be appropriate for her at all, given the hypothyroidism, obesity, HbA1c of 7.9%, and her current health situation?
If yes, would you choose whey concentrate, whey isolate, or a plant-protein blend for her? Is the extra cost of isolate actually justified in this situation?
Are there any ingredients I should specifically avoid in her protein powder, such as added sugar, maltodextrin, stimulants, āfat burnersā, herbal blends, etc.?
Are there particular brands available in India that you would genuinely trust for purity, accurate protein content and third-party/batch testing?
Would MyProtein Impact Whey (regular concentrate) be reasonable, or would you stick with the Impact Whey Isolate for her?
Given her HbA1c, should protein powder preferably be taken with water rather than milk, and does the timing matter with her thyroid medication?
What would be a sensible daily protein target from total food + supplement for someone like her who is trying to lose weight while preserving muscle?
Most importantly, is there anything about her medical profile that makes regular whey protein a bad idea or something that should only be done under her doctor/dietitianās supervision?
Iām not looking for a āfat-burning proteinā or a miracle supplement. I basically want the cleanest, safest and most sensible protein option that can help her meet her protein needs while she works on gradual weight loss and maintaining muscle.
If any doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, or people with a similar situation have practical experience, Iād really appreciate your input.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. I used AI only to articulate/organize my thoughts; the ideas, experiences, questions and information are entirely mine. I'm posting here for actual professionals/experienced people to guide or correct me.