Effect of whey protein on blood lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that whey supplementation may have beneficial effects on lipid profiles, although results were inconsistent. A literature search was performed in March 2015 for randomized controlled trials observing the effects of whey protein and its derivatives on circulating levels of triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). A meta-analysis was subsequently conducted. The meta-analysis results of 13 trials showed that whey supplementation significantly reduced the circulating TG level by 0.11 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.21, 0 mmol/l), whereas the whey protein had no effects on circulating TC (-0.11 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.27, 0.05 mmol/l), LDL-C (-0.08 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.23, 0.07 mmol/l) and HDL-C (0.01 mmol/l, 95% CI: -0.04, 0.05 mmol/l). Subgroup analysis showed that significant TG reduction disappeared in participants with low body mass index, low supplemental whey dose or under exercise training/energy restriction during the trial. No evidence of heterogeneity across studies and publication bias was observed. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the effects of whey protein supplementation were modest, with an overall lowering effect on TG but no effect on TC, LDL-C and HDL-C.

Effect of dietary supplementation of whey powder and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, gut and hepatic function, and muscle antioxidant capacity of Japanese quail

“…Accordingly, the hypolipidaemic effects of whey protein might be related to the inhibitory effects of its functional components on the absorption of cholesterol and fatty acids, increased faecal sterols excretion, and enhanced liver lipid metabolism. Zhang et al () also stated that functional components in whey such as β‐lactoglobulin proteins might have a hypocholesterolaemic effect. Since β‐lactoglobulin belongs to the lipocalin family, it is likely to decrease lipid absorption in the gut by capturing hydrophobic molecules (Zhang et al, ).…”

“…Zhang et al () also stated that functional components in whey such as β‐lactoglobulin proteins might have a hypocholesterolaemic effect. Since β‐lactoglobulin belongs to the lipocalin family, it is likely to decrease lipid absorption in the gut by capturing hydrophobic molecules (Zhang et al, ).…”

The effects of whey and pumpkin seed oil on blood biochemical parameters of liver function and lipid profile in rats chronically drinking low concentrations of ethanol

“…The concentrations of triglycerides were lower in alcoholic rats (two-way ANOVA, ethanol consumption effect, F=6.92, p<0.05; Tukey's HSD post-hoc test [10]. Here we studied the effects of whey and pumpkin seed oil supplementation on rats that chronically consumed low ethanol doses ad libitum daily for 6 weeks.…”

“…It has been suggested that ingestion of different supplements can prevent liver injury induced by chronic alcohol intake. One of them is whey [10], which has been suggested as a general liver protective mix. Whey is a popular dietetic product for reducing body weight and increasing muscle mass during body building exercises.…”

Health Benefits of Whey or Colostrum Supplementation in Adults ≥35 Years; a Systematic Review

“…Meta analyses have shown no effect of whey supplementation on circulating levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) [17], and insulin sensitivity outcomes were contradictory [18]. Small, but clinically insignificant, reductions in fasting and circulating triacylglycerol levels were reported following whey supplementation in adults ≥18 years, but no changes on other blood lipids were evident [19].…”