Obesity, lipid imbalance, hypertension, and insulin resistance increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The combination of these risk factors is called metabolic syndrome (MS). In turn, MS increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A higher intake of dairy products reduces the risk of MS and some forms of diabetes. Calcium, whey proteins and casein, found in dairy products, have a protective effect. Biologically active peptides in dairy products have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and have an antitumor effect. Whey protein stimulates the immune system and produces antibodies and antioxidants.
Types of Whey Protein
- Concentrate – contains 70-80% protein, some lactose, sugar and fat. Absorbed slowly.
- Isolate – ultrafiltration of whey protein concentrate. Contains 90% protein and minimum carbohydrates and fats. Absorbed slightly faster than concentrate.
- Hydrolyzate results from whey protein isolate exposure to enzymes that break the bonds that hold amino acids together. It is absorbed quickly, therefore, accelerates muscle recovery after training. Suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
- Native whey protein isolate, obtained at low temperatures, is the least processed whey. Contains a slightly higher concentration of essential amino acids for muscle growth. Absorbed faster than concentrate. Although native whey protein increases blood leucine levels more than regular whey, it does not outperform regular whey in terms of the rate of muscle protein synthesis. Therefore, when compared to whey concentrate and isolate, native whey protein is no better in terms of muscle recovery after a workout.
Whey Protein Improves Cholesterol Levels
Whey protein supplements have been suggested to prevent and treat obesity and diabetes. One of the reasons is a decrease in appetite. In addition, calcium intake from dairy products reduces fat absorption. Whey protein intake may affect lipid metabolism by inhibiting intestinal absorption of cholesterol.
Iranian scientists conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effect of whey protein on blood cholesterol levels and glycemic control in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: arterial hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus.
The meta-analysis included 22 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1103 patients with MS:
- Intervention group – 576 patients who received whey protein for 4-24 weeks. Whey protein dosage: 20-90 mg/day. Types of whey protein: isolate – most often, concentrate, hydrolyzate, native.
- Control group – 527 patients who followed a normal diet did not take any supplements or took placebo or carbohydrate supplements.
Study findings of how whey protein affects:
- Insulin level – reduces. The decrease in insulin concentration was more significant with long-term whey protein intake.
- Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) – reduces.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) – decreases.
- Level of triglycerides – reduces.
- The level of total cholesterol – lowers.
- Level of LDL cholesterol – reduces.
- Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio – improves.
- HDL cholesterol levels – unaffected.
- Fasting blood glucose – unaffected.
Conclusions
Whey protein may improve HOMA-IR, HbA1c levels, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Whey protein does not affect HDL cholesterol levels and fasting glucose levels.
The significance of the results for glycemic control parameters disappeared after statistical evaluation, possibly due to the heterogeneity of interventions across studies. Therefore, the goal of future research is to test the effect of whey protein on glycemic control.
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