Whey Protein

Whey-protein-rich ingredients may improve blood vessel function in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut in the British Journal of Nutrition report that the consumption of proprietary whey-derived bio-active peptides resulted in an increase in flow-mediated dilation (FDM) of between 1 and 1.5%.

While the clinical significance of the results is uncertain, Dr. Jeff Volek and his co-workers note that reduced FMD is reported to be a forecaster of future adverse cardiovascular events with every 1% decrease in FMD linked with a 12% increase in risk.

A randomized double blind study supported by Glanbia, looked at 21 volunteers with an average age of 55 and average BMI of 27.8. The average FMD of the volunteers at the time of enrollment was 3.7%. Applicants were randomly assigned to consume a single 5 gram dose of NOP-47 or a placebo, and cardiovascular responses were measured for 2 hours after intake.

Results showed that NOP-47 consumption was linked with an increase in FMD to 4.6% after 30 minutes and up to 5.1% after 2 hours, compared to increase to only up to 4.3% in the placebo group. This result indicated that the peptides were quickly absorbed and enhanced endothermic-dependent dilation in older adults, said researchers.

Commenting on the potential mechanism, the researchers said that the changes were independent of circulating associative compounds, like nitric oxide (NO), which did not change during the time of the experiments:

“Future investigation is warranted in individuals at an increased CVD risk to further elucidate potential health benefits and the underlying mechanisms of extracts derived from whey”