Whey Protein, but Not Soy Protein, Supplementation Alleviates Exerciseinduced Lipid Peroxidation in Female Endurance Athletes

Myra K Tara,Lindsey L Kimble,Jean Soon Park,Boon P Chew,Bridget D Mathison

doi:10.2174/1874288220130801001

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the protective effects of whey and soy protein supplementation on inflammatory response, oxidative damage and body composition in active female endurance athletes. Methods: Healthy female endurance athletes (18-25 y; n = 18) running at least one hour per day, five days per week were randomly assigned to consume 40 g whey or soy protein daily, in a 6-wk double-blind study. Blood samples were obtained following completion of a one hour run at baseline and wk 6, and analyzed for inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers. DXA scans were completed to determine body composition. Results: Whey protein intervention decreased (P> 0.05) plasma TBARS concentrations, indicating suppressed lipid peroxidation. Supplementation with soy protein had no effect on markers of oxidative damage and inflammation, but decreased (P> 0.05) reduced glutathione indicating a reduction in antioxidant activity. Protein supplementation had no significant effect on body composition. Conclusions: Supplementation with whey protein decreased lipid peroxidation in in female endurance athletes suggesting a potential antioxidative action, while soy protein did not improve biomarkers of oxidative damage and inflammation.

Highlights

Many athletes consider nutritional supplements critical for supporting exercise performance and longevity [1] and it is estimated that 89% of college athletes have used or currently use nutritional supplements to enhance their performance [2]
Recovery from endurance exercise is essential as muscle damage results in the breakdown of muscle protein and impairs muscle function, glycogen synthesis rates, and protein synthesis pathways [4]
Undesirable metabolic changes occur during endurance exercise that can be detrimental to physiological homeostasis, including increased cytokine production, inflammation, and oxidative damage [7]

Summary

Introduction

Many athletes consider nutritional supplements critical for supporting exercise performance and longevity [1] and it is estimated that 89% of college athletes have used or currently use nutritional supplements to enhance their performance [2]. The primary source of fuel during endurance exercise is muscle glycogen and depletion of intramuscular glycogen stores is shown to limit performance during prolonged exercise [3]. Recovery from endurance exercise is essential as muscle damage results in the breakdown of muscle protein and impairs muscle function, glycogen synthesis rates, and protein synthesis pathways [4]. Endurance athletes have increased energy and protein requirements to fuel exercise, replace glycogen stores, and support muscle protein synthesis [5, 6]. Undesirable metabolic changes occur during endurance exercise that can be detrimental to physiological homeostasis, including increased cytokine production, inflammation, and oxidative damage [7]. While ROS are natural byproducts of cellular respiration and are essential for cell signaling and homeostasis, the ensuing cascade from these free radicals can result in cellular

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Results

Conclusion