Whey Protein Studied for Blood Sugar Balancing and Weight Management

Whey protein isolate modulates the adverse health effects of a high-fat diet, according to the latest research. Whey protein is a by-product of cheese manufacturing and is high in branched chain amino acids, which are important for protein synthesis. Whey protein also contains a substantial amount of the amino acid cysteine, which is one of the precursors to the potent antioxidant glutathione.

Researchers fed mice a high-fat diet plus either 100 grams of whey protein isolate per liter of drinking water or plain drinking water for 11 weeks. The mice were evaluated at the beginning of the study and after 11 weeks for measurements of energy consumption, lipid metabolism and blood sugar metabolism.

The results of the study showed that the mice that had been supplemented with whey protein isolate had less weight gain, lower body fat percentage and greater lean body mass compared to the mice fed the high-fat diet without whey protein supplementation. These results are consistent with a higher metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, and liver mitochondrial respiration (energy production) in the mice receiving whey protein isolate. Additionally, the livers of the mice supplemented with whey protein had less fat deposition than the mice fed the high-fat diet alone. Furthermore, the mice receiving whey protein had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to the control group.

The researchers concluded that in mice fed a high-fat diet, whey protein isolate consumption results in higher basal metabolic rates and altered metabolism of dietary lipids with reduced fat deposition in the liver and insulin resistance. Thus, whey protein isolate may be useful in supporting the health of individuals consuming a high-fat diet.

Reference:

Shertzer HG, Woods SE, Krishan M, Genter MB, Pearson KJ. Dietary whey protein lowers the risk for metabolic disease in mice fed a high-fat diet. J Nutr. 2011 Apr;141(4):582-7.