Whey protein is composed of soluble whey proteins and its benefits are well described in the literature. However, there are not many studies investigating the potential adverse effect of a diet with indiscriminate use of this supplement. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of papers that addressed this theme. A search was conducted in Medline, Lilacs, Toxnet, Web of science, and Scopus electronic databases. In the end, 11 documents composed this review. The majority of the papers associated the damaging effect with the chronic and abusive use of whey protein, the kidneys and liver being the main organs affected. The other studies related whey protein to aggravation of aggression, presence of acne and modification of the microbiota. Therefore, excessive consumption over a long period of protein supplementation may have some adverse effects on the body, being aggravated when associated with sedentary lifestyle. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020140466.
Novelty Bullets:
• A systematic review of experimental and randomized studies about the use of whey proteins supplements and its impact on physical health.
• Analysis revealed that chronic and without professional guidance use of whey protein supplementation may cause some adverse effects specially on kidney and liver function.
• Presented data support a need for future studies co-relating the use of different types of whey protein with and without exercise to better see the impact on human physical health.
Context
Evidence shows that fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) can modulate inflammatory, oxidative, and immune activity in the gut, possibly leading to a systemic response, improving human health.
Objective
To assess the present knowledge of the effects of FOSs on inflammation, immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and gut immune response.
Data Sources
Studies published between December 2000 and January 2020 were systematically searched in four databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus. After the screening of 1316 articles, 8 human studies and 20 animal models were included.
Data Extraction
Data were extracted separately by 2 reviewers. For each study, the design, population, exposures, main results, and conclusion were extracted. The research questions and the risk-of-bias information were also extracted. Additionally, the risk-of-bias were analyzed to guarantee the reliability of this review.
Data Analysis
A qualitative analysis revealed that FOSs can increase bifidobacteria counts and short-chain fatty acids in the gut, stimulate IgA secretion in the colon, and decrease proinflammatory cytokines, thus influencing metabolic diseases.
Conclusion
Studies suggest that FOS supplementation is positively associated with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, thus enhancing the gut immune system, which may be beneficial for the host’s health.
Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration nos 42020209865 and 42020220369.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.