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Study Title:

Whey Protein Helps Liver and Fat Metabolism in Obese Women

Study Abstract

Background & aims
High protein diets have been shown to improve hepatic steatosis in rodent models and in high-fat fed humans. We therefore evaluated the effects of a protein supplementation on intrahepatocellular lipids (IHCL), and fasting plasma triglycerides in obese non diabetic women.

Methods
Eleven obese women received a 60 g/day whey protein supplement (WPS) for 4-weeks, while otherwise nourished on a spontaneous diet, IHCL concentrations, visceral body fat, total liver volume (MR), fasting total-triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, glucose tolerance (standard 75 g OGTT), insulin sensitivity (HOMA IS index), creatinine clearance, blood pressure and body composition (bio-impedance analysis) were assessed before and after 4-week WPS.

Results
IHCL were positively correlated with visceral fat and total liver volume at inclusion. WPS decreased significantly IHCL by 20.8 ± 7.7%, fasting total TG by 15 ± 6.9%, and total cholesterol by 7.3 ± 2.7%. WPS slightly increased fat free mass from 54.8 ± 2.2 kg to 56.7 ± 2.5 kg, p = 0.005). Visceral fat, total liver volume, glucose tolerance, creatinine clearance and insulin sensitivity were not changed.

Conclusions
WPS improves hepatic steatosis and plasma lipid profiles in obese non diabetic patients, without adverse effects on glucose tolerance or creatinine clearance.

Trial Number
NCT00870077, ClinicalTrials.gov

Study Information

Murielle Bortolottiad, Elena Maioload, Mattia Corazzaad, Eveline Van Dijkead, Philippe Schneiterae, Andreas Bossbf, Guillaume Carrelae, Vittorio Giusticg, Kim-Anne Lêah, Daniel Guae Quo Chongbf, Tania Buehlerbf, Roland Kreisbf, Chris Boeschbf, Luc Tappyac
Effects of a whey protein supplementation on intrahepatocellular lipids in obese female patients
Clinical Nutrition
2011 January