Whey protein sweetened beverages attenuate plasma glucose, hunger and calorie intake in young women

Abstract

Whey protein has potential as a functional food component to regulate blood glucose and body weight. Beverages may prove an effective vehicle for delivering whey protein for consumption. The current study investigated the effect of whey‐glucose mixed drinks relative to glucose or whey alone on a) glycemic response, b) appetite and c) calorie intake. Test beverages were given once a week on fasting as 50g or 75g glucose, 25g whey or 25g whey mixed with 50g glucose. Blood glucose and appetite were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min. Pizza was served at 180min and calories consumed were calculated. Both blood glucose and calories intake were reduced after whey protein drinks with or without glucose. The change in blood glucose was associated with reduced appetite and calorie intake. This study was supported by Kuwait University research grant WF02/09.