Page 54 - FoodFocusThailand No.211 OCTOBER 2023

STRATEGIC R&D

In 2013, FAO proposed shifting preference to a new oxidative stress and prevent cell damage. GSH has been
evaluation method, the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid shown to have cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory
Score (DIAAS), considering its superior score method, and properties.
more accurate sampling method. Whey protein’s DIAAS 2. Muscle building and recovery: clinical studies have
score is 1.09, classified as excellent or high protein quality well proved that whey proteins promote muscle protein building
(>1.00). While, soy protein’s score is lower, at 0.90, as in and reduce muscle damage. The essential amino acids in whey
good protein quality range (0.75-0.99). The bar graph of can increase muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle
protein quality score showed a clearer distinction of quality mass breakdowns, especially the high level of branched-chain
and gives consumers better data for more informed amino acids BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine). Whey
decisions. protein contains 20-30% more BCAAs than other sources of
proteins. Whey protein is also often used by athletes to aid in
Use of Whey Protein in Medical Nutrition muscle recovery after exercise.
1. Wound healing after surgery: Whey protein has 3. Gut health: Whey protein contains several bioactive
potential benefits in wound healing. It contains several amino compounds, such as lactoferrin and glycomacropeptide, that
acids that are important for tissue repair, such as arginine have potential prebiotic and probiotic effects. These compounds
and glutamine. may help improve gut health and reduce the risk of
2. Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with blood glucose gastrointestinal disorders.
levels are too high due to lack of insulin (Type 1) or insulin 4. Healthy aging: People begin to lose muscle mass
resistance (Type 2). Whey protein has been reported to naturally as they age, and the process can increase risks for
improve postprandial glycemic control by increasing broken bones. It can also affect overall wellbeing. Whey protein
insulin secretion after meals. Ingested whey protein is an provides nutritional benefits to the aging population, who are
efficient insulin secretagogue that can be used for Type 2 experiencing sarcopenia (the age-related loss of muscle),
diabetes. It is recommended to take 10-20 grams of reduction in glutathione and higher risks of bone fractures.
whey protein before each meal as a part of dietary 5. Immune function: Whey protein contains several
management. bioactive compounds, such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins,
3. Sarcopenia: The common dietary recommendation that have potential immune-modulating effects. These
for individuals aged 65 and older is to increase daily protein compounds may help improve immune function and reduce
intake to 1.0-1.2 gram/kilogram body weight/day. High quality the risk of infections.
and easy digested protein, such as whey protein, is a great 6. Weight management: Whey protein can be used as a
option for healthy aging. A growing number of scientists dietary supplement to help with weight loss and weight
agree that whey protein can have a positive effect for seniors management. Research has shown that whey protein is more
in combating major changes that occur with aging. Doctors effective at reducing body weight and preserving lean muscle
recommend whey protein because it contains higher mass compared to other types of protein supplements.
concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and Whey protein contains high quality protein and rich source
essential amino acids than other protein sources. of bioactive compounds making it a promising ingredient for
4. Pregnant and nursing women: Pregnant or nursing use in various medical and health-related applications. Whey
women are recommended to incorporate more high-quality protein also demonstrates excellent food functionalities, that
protein into their eating plan. Adequate protein intake is can be used to develop into a variety of innovative products,
especially important for the growth of fetal tissue and helps such as protein water ready-to-drink RTD beverages, ready-
mom’s future breast feeding. to-mix (RTM) powder blends, protein jelly and snacks.
Whey Protein as a Nutraceutical Ingredient
1. Antioxidant activity: High content of cysteine and
methionine as found in whey are converted to GSH More Information Service Info C008
(glutathione) at the cellular level. The GSH antioxidant
system is the foremost protective mechanism of the cell and
crucial to the immune response and can help reduce เอกสารอ้างอิง / References
Consultation, FAO Expert. “Dietary protein quality evaluation in human
nutrition.” FAO Food Nutr. Pap 92 (2011): 1-66.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Dietary Protein
Quality Evaluation in Human Nutrition: Paper 92. Rome, Italy: Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 2013.
Krissansen GW. Emerging health properties of whey proteins and their
clinical implications. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Dec;26(6):713S-23S.
doi: 10.1080/07315724.2007.10719652. PMID: 18187438.
Marshall, Keri. Therapeutic Applications of Whey Protein. Alternative
Medicine Review. 2004: 9, 2 136-156.
Jakubowicz, Daniela, and Oren Froy. “Biochemical and metabolic
mechanisms by which dietary whey protein may combat obesity and
Type 2 diabetes.” The Journal of nutritional biochemistry 24.1 (2013):
1-5.
Paddon-Jones, Douglas, and Blake B. Rasmussen. “Dietary protein
recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia: protein, amino
acid metabolism and therapy.” Current opinion in clinical nutrition
and metabolic care 12.1 (2009): 86.

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