Abstract
Dietary protein may play an important role in the prevention of metabolic dysfunctions. However, the way in which the protein source affects these dysfunctions has not been clearly established. The aim of the current systematic review was to compare the impact of plant- and animal-sourced dietary proteins on several features of metabolic syndrome in humans. The PubMed database was searched for both chronic and acute interventional studies, as well as observational studies, in healthy humans or those with metabolic dysfunctions, in which the impact of animal and plant protein intake was compared while using the following variables: cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia, blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, and body composition. Based on data extraction, we observed that soy protein consumption (with isoflavones), but not soy protein alone (without isoflavones) or other plant proteins (pea and lupine proteins, wheat gluten), leads to a 3% greater decrease in both total and LDL cholesterol compared with animal-sourced protein ingestion, especially in individuals with high fasting cholesterol concentrations. This observation was made when animal proteins were provided as a whole diet rather than given supplementally. Some observational studies reported an inverse association between plant protein intake and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but this was not confirmed by intervention studies. Moreover, plant protein (wheat gluten, soy protein) intake as part of a mixed meal resulted in a lower postprandial insulin response than did whey. This systematic review provides some evidence that the intake of soy protein associated with isoflavones may prevent the onset of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, i.e., hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, in humans. However, we were not able to draw any further conclusions from the present work on the positive effects of plant proteins relating to glucose homeostasis and body composition.
Highlights
Metabolic and physiologic dysfunctions, including hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and low-HDL cholesterolemia, are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [1]
The aim of the present systematic review was to compare the effect of animal- and plant-sourced proteins on markers related to metabolic syndrome, including cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia, blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, and body composition, and aimed to define potential differences between animal and plant proteins
It is widely accepted that both low LDL and HDL cholesterol and low plasma TG concentrations are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease [116], and that postprandial TGs are associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases [68]
Summary
Metabolic and physiologic dysfunctions, including hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and low-HDL cholesterolemia, are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [1]. Patients with metabolic syndrome are 5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and 3 times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases over 5–10 y [2]. Lifestyle modifications that use physical activity and nutritional intervention are recommended for individuals who have or are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Some features of metabolic syndrome have been reported to be improved by dietary interventions such as low–glycemic index and low–glycemic load diets. The glycemic response of a diet is highly affected by its carbohydrate content and quality, and by its fat and protein content [3]. The addition of dietary protein to a carbohydrate-based meal may reduce the ensuing glycemic response by delaying gastric emptying and stimulating ã 2017 American Society for Nutrition
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
