Is Whey Protein A Key To Fat Loss?

Whey protein is being seen as an important supplement in weight loss as it stimulates protein synthesis, while controlling appetite, food intake and blood sugar levels.

It is a milk protein that is the liquid by-product of cheese production. In supplement form, whey protein comes in three main forms:

1. Whey Protein Concentrate: Contains some fat and lactose and between 29% – 89% protein depending on the specific product. Whey protein concentrates often have more bioactive compounds.

2. Whey Protein Isolates: Contains minimal fat, cholesterol and lactose and 90% or more protein.

3. Whey Protein Hydrolysates: Often used in clinical nutrition applications because they are predigested and partially broken and therefore easier to absorb.

A University of Toronto study found that consuming whey protein before a meal decreased food intake and post-meal blood sugar and insulin release. In this particular study, researchers fed  participants  10-40 grams of whey protein 30 minutes before an all-you-can-eat pizza lunch. The result? Food intake decreased  with whey protein consumption. The effects of whey depend on intake – the more whey protein consumed, the less they ate.

Whey protein supplements improve blood sugar control and reduce appetite and might be effective for weight loss (American Journal Clinical Nutrition, 91: 966-75, 2010).

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