Effect of Whey Supplementation on Circulating C-Reactive Protein: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Whey supplementation is beneficial for human health, possibly by reducing the circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) level, a sensitive marker of inflammation. Thus, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate their relationship. A systematic literature search was conducted in July, 2014, to identify eligible studies. Either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model was used to calculate pooled effects. The meta-analysis results of nine trials showed a slight, but no significant, reduction of 0.42 mg/L (95% CI −0.96, 0.13) in CRP level with the supplementation of whey protein and its derivates. Relatively high heterogeneity across studies was observed. Subgroup analyses showed that whey significantly lowered CRP by 0.72 mg/L (95% CI −0.97, −0.47) among trials with a daily whey dose ≥20 g/day and by 0.67 mg/L (95% CI −1.21, −0.14) among trials with baseline CRP ≥3 mg/L. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the baseline CRP level was a potential effect modifier of whey supplementation in reducing CRP. In conclusion, our meta-analysis did not find sufficient evidence that whey and its derivates elicited a beneficial effect in reducing circulating CRP. However, they may significantly reduce CRP among participants with highly supplemental doses or increased baseline CRP levels.

Whey and Casein Proteins and Medium-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids from Milk Do Not Increase Low-Grade Inflammation in Abdominally Obese Adults

“…lactoferrin, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin) in vitro and in animal studies [20,32,33]. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis found that a whey supplement of 20 g/day or more significantly lowered CRP in human adults [34]. In a previous acute study, we found that postprandial low-grade inflammation was affected differently by selected protein sources, and that whey resulted in a lower level of circulating CCL5 than casein [23].…”

Whey and Casein Proteins and Medium-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids from Milk Do Not Increase Low-Grade Inflammation in Abdominally Obese Adults

“…Also, the result needs to be repeated in a larger studies [20,32,33]. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis found that a whey supplement 335 of 20 g/day or more significantly lowered CRP in human adults [34]. In a previous acute 336 study, we found that postprandial low-grade inflammation was affected differently by 337 selected protein sources, and that whey resulted in a lower level of circulating CCL5 338 than casein [23].…”

“…Several circulating cytokines are involved in the 33 mediation of inflammatory reactions [3]. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) play 34 key roles in both acute inflammatory reactions and chronic inflammatory disorders, 35 whereas the IL-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) serves as an inhibitor of IL-1 action [3].…”

Effects of Integrated Health Management Intervention on Overweight and Obesity

“…Carotenoids and vitamin C and vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased the circulating hs-CRP level as shown by meta-analysis [20]. A significant reduction in CRP levels was also seen in vitamin E-treated individuals [21]. In this study, dietary supplements administrated were containing fibers and other special supplements that could regulate constitution according to Chinese Medicine.…”