Leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance‐based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Increasing protein intake (above the Recommended Dietary Amount) alone or with resistance-based exercise is suggested to improve cardiometabolic health; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm this. Methods The Liverpool Hope University-Sarcopenia Aging Trial (LHU-SAT) was a 16 week RCT (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02912130) of 100 community-dwelling older adults [mean age: 68.73 ± 5.80 years, body mass index: 27.06 ± 5.18 kg/m 2 (52% women)] who were randomized to four independent groups [Control (C), Exercise (E), Exercise + Protein (EP), Protein (P)]. E and EP completed supervised and progressive resistance-based exercise (resistance exercise: two times per week, functional circuit exercise: once per week), while EP and P were supplemented with a leucine-enriched whey protein drink (three times per day) based on individual body weight (0.50 g/kg/meal, 1.50 g/kg/day). Outcome measures including arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), fasting plasma/serum biomarkers [glucose/glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, insulin, resistin, leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, cystatin-C, & ferritin], insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and kidney function (eGFR) were measured before and after intervention. Results Total protein intake (habitual diet plus supplementation) increased to 1.55 ± 0.69 g/kg/day in EP and to 1.93 ± 0.72 g/kg/day in P, and remained significantly lower (P < 0.001) in unsupplemented groups (E: 1.08 ± 0.33 g/kg/day, C: 1.00 ± 0.26 g/kg/day). At 16 weeks, there was a group-by-time interaction whereby absolute changes in LDL-cholesterol were lower in EP [mean difference: À0.

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

“…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]. These nutrients are critical constituents of the human diet [18] and found commonly in infant formula [19].…”

Effects of 12 weeks of Multi-nutrient supplementation on the Immune and Musculoskeletal systems of Older Adults in Aged-Care (The Pomerium Study): Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Noteworthy, measuring immune competency in older adults should involve several criteria because immune changes from ageing and malnutrition are similar; nutrient supplementation may improve immune status and clinical outcomes in older adults, 67 68 and at risk of sarcopenia. 69 These criteria must include full blood counts, T and B cell counts and their function and subsets (particularly T-cell subsets CD8+, CD28null, Treg, and Dendritic cells), and concentrations of serum interleukins (particularly interleukin (IL) -7). 1,9,10,70 As the population ages and the risk of potential pandemics remain, it is reasonable to prepare vulnerable older adults for viral assaults by implementing efficacious evidence-based interventions using specialised nutritional supplements.…”

Effects of 3 months of multi-nutrient supplementation on the immune system and muscle and respiratory function of older adults in aged care (The Pomerium Study): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…These data indicate that specific nutritional supplements can enhance T-cell proliferative responses to viral challenges. Noteworthy, measuring immune competency in older adults should involve several criteria because immune changes during ageing and from malnutrition are similar; nutrient supplementation may improve immune status and clinical outcomes in older adults67 68 and those at risk of sarcopenia 69. These criteria must include full blood counts, T and B cell counts and their function and subsets (particularly T-cell subsets CD8+, CD28null, Treg and dendritic cells), and concentrations of serum interleukins (particularly IL-7) 1 9 10 70…”