Whey protein positively alters inflammatory markers and metabolic parameters of overweight and obese adults

Phosat, Chanchira and Phosat, Charupan and Hudthagosol, Chatrapa and Phienluphon, Pornpimol Panprathip and Kwanbunjan, Karunee (2022) Whey protein positively alters inflammatory markers and metabolic parameters of overweight and obese adults. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 28 (3). pp. 369-382. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: The effects of prolonged consumption of whey protein on health are controversial. This study aimed to determine whether whey protein positively alters health parameters of overweight and obese adults. Methods: Randomised controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-eight participants, aged 30-50 years, were randomly allocated into four groups and supplemented with 50 g protein for eight weeks (group 1: plant-based protein (PBP), group 2: whey protein isolate (WPI) with cocoa powder, group 3: PBP with whey protein concentrate (WPC), and group 4: WPI with milk powder). Body composition and biochemical parameters (kidney and liver functions, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity) were evaluated at pre-intervention and 8 weeks after intervention. Results: At Week 8, group 3 had lower diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, visceral fat, and risk of insulin resistance (p<0.05 for all). Group 2 had decreased levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05 for all). A drop in triglyceride was seen in group 4 (p=0.026). Whey protein decreased alanine aminotransferase level (p=0.028), while PBP increased aspartate aminotransferase level (p=0.034). PBP or WPI with milk powder increased blood urea nitrogen level (p>0.05 for all). Interleukin-6 and lactoferrin levels fell in all groups (p<0.05), while hs-CRP increased in the PBP group (p=0.043). Group 2 experienced increased antioxidant capacity. However, levels of oxidative stress markers were significantly decreased in the PBP group and WPI with milk powder group. Conclusion: Whey protein revealed positive effects on anthropometric parameters and biochemical markers of overweight and obese adults. Therefore, proper supplementation of whey protein can potentially promote health.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/28-3/V...

Abstract

Introduction: The effects of prolonged consumption of whey protein on health are controversial. This study aimed to determine whether whey protein positively alters health parameters of overweight and obese adults. Methods: Randomised controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-eight participants, aged 30-50 years, were randomly allocated into four groups and supplemented with 50 g protein for eight weeks (group 1: plant-based protein (PBP), group 2: whey protein isolate (WPI) with cocoa powder, group 3: PBP with whey protein concentrate (WPC), and group 4: WPI with milk powder). Body composition and biochemical parameters (kidney and liver functions, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity) were evaluated at pre-intervention and 8 weeks after intervention. Results: At Week 8, group 3 had lower diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, visceral fat, and risk of insulin resistance (p<0.05 for all). Group 2 had decreased levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05 for all). A drop in triglyceride was seen in group 4 (p=0.026). Whey protein decreased alanine aminotransferase level (p=0.028), while PBP increased aspartate aminotransferase level (p=0.034). PBP or WPI with milk powder increased blood urea nitrogen level (p>0.05 for all). Interleukin-6 and lactoferrin levels fell in all groups (p<0.05), while hs-CRP increased in the PBP group (p=0.043). Group 2 experienced increased antioxidant capacity. However, levels of oxidative stress markers were significantly decreased in the PBP group and WPI with milk powder group. Conclusion: Whey protein revealed positive effects on anthropometric parameters and biochemical markers of overweight and obese adults. Therefore, proper supplementation of whey protein can potentially promote health.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	whey protein
AGROVOC Term:	food supplementation
AGROVOC Term:	blood pressure
AGROVOC Term:	cholesterol
AGROVOC Term:	antioxidants
AGROVOC Term:	oxidative stress
AGROVOC Term:	triglycerides
AGROVOC Term:	public health
Geographical Term:	Thailand
Uncontrolled Keywords:	inflammatory marker, obesity, overweight, plant-based protein, whey protein
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2026 01:38
Last Modified:	28 Apr 2026 01:38
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3105

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