Role of whey protein in vascular function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human intervention studies

Whey protein (WP) has been heavily appreciated as a rich source of bioactive peptides, with potential benefits for cardiovascular health. This study constitutes a systematic review and meta-analysis summarising the effects of WP consumption on vascular reactivity, arterial stiffness and circulatory biomarkers of vascular function. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of science for relevant articles from inception to July 2020. Original clinical trials published in English-language journals that investigated the effects of WP on vascular function were eligible. A total of 720 records were identified in the initial search; from these, sixteen were included in our systematic review and thirteen in meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of six studies showed a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) after WP consumption (weighted mean differences (WMD): 1 center dot 09 %, 95 % CI: 0 center dot 17, 2 center dot 01, P= 0 center dot 01). Meta-analysis of available data did not show any significant reduction in arterial stiffness measures including augmentation index (effect sizes: 7, WMD: -0 center dot 29 %, 95 % CI: -1 center dot 58, 0 center dot 98, P= 0 center dot 64) and pulse wave velocity (effect sizes: 4, WMD: -0 center dot 72 m/s, 95 % CI: -1 center dot 47, 0 center dot 03, P= 0 center dot 06). Moreover, the pooled analysis of six effect sizes showed no significant effects on plasma levels of nitric oxide following WP supplementation (WMD: 0 center dot 42 mu mol/l, 95 % CI: -0 center dot 52, 1 center dot 36, P= 0 center dot 38). The overall results provided evidence supporting a protective effect of WP on endothelial function measured by FMD, but not for arterial stiffness measures and circulatory biomarker of vascular function. Further research is required to substantiate the benefits of WP on vascular function.

Automated summary

Whey protein has a positive effect on flow-mediated dilation, but does not significantly impact arterial stiffness measures and circulatory biomarkers of vascular function. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of whey protein on vascular function.