Effect of whey protein supplementation on body composition of patients undergoing bariatric surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery (CB) is the most successful method for weight loss in patients with Grade III obesity and morbidities. However, patients submitted to CB generally do not reach the protein intake recommendation. Thus, protein supplements could minimize muscle mass loss, preventing protein malnutrition. Whey protein has a high biological value, with a high content of branched-chain amino acids that stimulate protein synthesis and reduce the loss of muscle mass seen in low-calorie diets. Thus, whey protein would contribute to maintaining body composition and preventing muscle loss. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of 8-week whey protein supplementation in female patients submitted to CB, regarding metabolic and nutritional status. After the eight weeks of the experiment, there was an increase in lean Mass and a reduction of fat Mass and fat percentage in the Whey group compared with the initial time, a result not seen in the control group. There was no difference in biochemical parameters, except for the increased fasting glucose in the Malto group that was prevented in the Whey group. We conclude that whey protein supplementation could reduce the loss of fat-free Mass and increase the body fat Mass regardless of changes BMI evolution in the later postoperative period of bariatric surgery, a period of weight loss is minimized, and weight reacquisition occurs more frequently.