Whey protein consumption following fasted exercise reduces early postprandial glycaemia in centrally obese males: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose Acute submaximal exercise and whey protein supplementation have been reported to improve postprandial metabolic and appetite responses to a subsequent meal independently. We aimed to examine the combination of these strategies on postprandial responses to a carbohydrate-rich breakfast. Methods Twelve centrally obese males (age 41 ± 3 years, waist circumference 123.4 ± 2.9 cm), completed three trials in a single-blind, crossover design. Participants rested for 30 min (CON) or completed 30 min low–moderate-intensity treadmill walking (51 ± 1% $${{\dot{V}O}}_{\text{2peak}}$$ V ˙ O 2peak ) followed immediately by ingestion of 20 g whey protein (EX + PRO) or placebo (EX). After 15 min, a standardised breakfast was consumed and blood, expired gas and subjective appetite were sampled postprandially. After 240 min, an ad libitum lunch meal was provided to assess energy intake. Results During EX + PRO, post-breakfast peak blood glucose was reduced when compared with EX and CON (EX + PRO: 7.6 ± 0.4 vs EX: 8.4 ± 0.3; CON: 8.3 ± 0.3 mmol l−1, p ≤ 0.04). Early postprandial glucose AUC0–60 min was significantly lower under EX + PRO than EX (p = 0.011), but not CON (p = 0.12). Over the full postprandial period, AUC0–240 min during EX + PRO did not differ from other trials (p > 0.05). Peak plasma insulin concentrations and AUC0–240 min were higher during EX + PRO than CON, but similar to EX. Plasma triglyceride concentrations, substrate oxidation and subjective appetite responses were similar across trials and ad libitum energy intake was not influenced by prior fasted exercise, nor its combination with whey protein supplementation (p > 0.05). Conclusion Following fasted low–moderate-intensity exercise, consuming whey protein before breakfast may improve postprandial glucose excursions, without influencing appetite or subsequent energy intake, in centrally obese males. Trial registration number NCT02714309.

Formulation and evaluation of novel nutraceuticals rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, natural flavors, and steviol glycosides for improving quality of life

“…In comparison to maltodextrin or Arabic gum, it provides higher protection for bioactive compounds (Ji et al 2022). Whey protein before breakfast may improve postprandial glucose excursions in centrally obese individuals after fasting low-moderate intensity exercise without affecting hunger or subsequent calorie intake (Allerton et al 2021). WPC 70% was used over the other forms (isolate or hydrolysate) as it is well-documented the superior characteristics of whey protein concentrate with more bioactive components than the other forms.…”

Exercise to Lower Postprandial Lipemia: Why, When, What and How

“…Most of the studies that employed exercise immediately to 1 h before a high-fat meal found no effect on PPL in lean and obese men [93,94], trained men [95,96], hypercholesterolemic individuals [59,97] and adolescents [60,71]. This was also the case with low/ moderate-fat meals in obese adults [98,99] and individuals with chronic paraplegia [100].…”

“…the day of a high-fat meal [71,93,[95][96][97] or iii. the day of a moderate-fat meal [60,98,99]. In addition, a study has found reduced PPL with MICE in metabolically healthy individuals but not in individuals with metabolic syndrome [59].…”

Formulation and evaluation of novel nutraceuticals rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, natural flavors, and steviol glycosides for improving quality of life

“…In comparison to maltodextrin or Arabic gum, it provides higher protection for bioactive compounds (Ji et al, 2022). Whey protein before breakfast may improve postprandial glucose excursions in centrally obese individuals after fasting low-moderate intensity exercise without affecting hunger or subsequent calorie intake (Allerton et al, 2021). Whey protein concentrate (WPC 70% protein) was used over the other forms (isolate or hydrolysate) as it is well-documented the superior characteristics of whey protein concentrate with more bioactive components than the other forms.…”