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Whey protein may increase lean trunk mass in older adults
In older adults, whey protein supplementation may result in a higher lean trunk mass without compromising bone mineral density or renal function, according to recent findings.
In the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, Jane E. Kerstetter, PhD, RD, of the University of Connecticut, and colleagues evaluated the impact of 18 months of dietary supplementation with either whey protein (Provon 290, Glambia Nutritionals) or maltodextrin (Maltrin M100, Grain Processing Corporation) on bone mass in 208 older adults. Men recruited to the study were older than 70 years and women were older than 60 years. Eligible participants had BMI between 19 and 32 kg/m2 and self-reported protein consumption between 0.6 and 1 g/kg.
Participants were randomly assigned to an 18-month intervention with either 45 g whey protein (protein group; n = 106) or the control maltodextrin supplement (carbohydrate group; n = 102). All study participants and researchers, with the exception of research pharmacists, were blinded to treatment assignment. At baseline, 9 months and 18 months, the researchers measured BMD by DXA as well as body composition and biochemical markers of skeletal and mineral metabolism.
Change in lumber spine BMD was defined as the study’s primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included changes in BMD at the hip and trabecular and cortical skeletal envelopes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine calcium, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and body composition indices.
The researchers found no significant disparities between the groups in terms of lumbar spine BMD or the other skeletal outcome variables. At 18 months, the protein group had a significantly higher trunk lean mass than the carbohydrate group (P = .048).
By the conclusion of the study period, the protein group also had higher levels of serum C-terminal telopeptide (P = .0414), IGF-1 (P = .0054) and urinary urea (P < .001) compared with the carbohydrate group. At the 18 month follow-up, eGFR did not differ between the groups.
“In conclusion, there was no beneficial or detrimental effect on BMD of a whey protein supplement administered over 18-months to older adults who had an adequate dietary protein intake; however, protein supplementation resulted in a higher lean trunk mass,” the researchers wrote. “In this group with normal renal function at baseline protein supplementation had no detrimental effect on eGFR. Based on our experience larger and/or longer nutrition intervention trials using whole protein supplements will be challenging. The development of amino acid-based nutriceuticals could make larger and longer-term clinical trials more feasible.” – by Jennifer Byrne
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.