Effect of Reversal of Whey‐Protein to Casein Ratio of Cow Milk, on Insulin, Incretin, and Amino Acid Responses in Humans

Abstract

Scope Milk‐proteins, besides lactose, stimulate insulin and incretin secretion. Although whey‐proteins (WP) are more efficient than casein (Cas) in hormone secretion, the effects of reversal of the (WP/Cas) ratio in whole‐milk are poorly known. Methods and Results Healthy volunteers received two different cow‐milk drinks, at identical lactose (0.36 g × kg−1 BW) and total‐protein (0.18 g × kg1 BW) loads, but at reversed WP/Cas ratio. One is cow‐whole milk with a ≈20/80 [WP/Cas] ratio, the other an experimental cow‐milk with a ≈70/30 [WP/Cas] ratio ([↑WP↓Cas]‐milk). Both milk‐types induced the same mild hyperglycemic response. Following [↑WP↓Cas]‐milk, the [20′–90′] insulin incremental area (iAUC) (+ ≈44%, p < 0.035), and the [20′–120′] C‐peptide iAUC (+ ≈47%, p < 0.015) are greater than those with cow‐milk. Similarly, following [↑WP↓Cas]‐milk, the GLP‐1 [20′–90′] iAUC (+96%, p < 0.025), and the GIP [30′–60′] iAUC (+140%, p < 0.006), were greater than those with cow‐milk. Plasma total and branched‐chain amino acids are also greater following the [↑WP↓Cas] than cow‐milk. Conclusions Reversal of the (WP/Cas) ratio in cow‐milk enhanced the insulin response, an effect possibly mediated by incretins and/or amino acids(s). These data may be useful in designing specific milk formulas with different effects on insulin and incretin response(s).

Anti-aging trait of whey protein against brain damage of senile rats

“…Thus, WP could be recommended to enhance the growth performance and liver antioxidant enzymes in broiler chickens challenged with ethyl alcohol [12]. Reversal of the WP/Cas ratio in milk enhanced the insulin response, an effect possibly mediated by amino acids and/or incretins [15].…”

“…Whey protein (WP) is a bio-waste from cheese processing. Whey is a rich source of amino acids and plays a vital role in treating type 2 diabetes and glucose homeostasis [12][13][14][15]. Mainly bovine serum albumin and lactoferrin in WP are the main components of milk [16,17].…”

Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin Promotes Barrier Integrity and Lowers Inflammation for 24 Human Adults Ex Vivo

“…SBI exhibited either unique effects or largely exceeded those of the reference dietary protein, likely due to the lower digestibility of SBI and, therefore, increased abundance in the colon. While whey protein (a primary component of DP) is easily digestible [ 20 ], IgG (a primary component of SBI) has been detected in fecal samples [ 32 ]. SBI’s primary mechanism of action is preventing translocation and inflammation via direct binding of microbial antigens.…”

“…Milk-derived proteins were included as a reference for dietary protein (DP) intake. Like Toffolon et al (2021) [20], a ratio of whey protein isolate (unflavoured, Myprotein) over casein (Carl Roth 8569) of 4:1 was tested. Another comparator was the reference prebiotic IN from chicory origin (Sigma I2255).…”

Association between dairy consumption and the risk of diabetes: A prospective cohort study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

“…Vitamin D may benefit pancreatic β cell function, and calcium and magnesium could both improve insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to improve insulin secretion, which is conducive to the control of blood glucose levels ( 30 , 31 ). Secondly, whey protein and casein are the two most abundant proteins in dairy, of which whey protein can increase the concentration of amino acids after digestion and promote insulin secretion ( 32 ). Whey protein can also improve energy intake balance and promote weight loss, thereby affecting the development of diabetes ( 33 , 34 ).…”