Whey is a co-product of cheese production. It is one of the components that separate from milk after curdling, when rennet or an edible acidic substance is added. Generally 100 L of milk produces about 12 kg of cheese or about 3 kg of casein. In either case, about 87 L of whey is made as a by-product.
COMPONENTS
Bovine milk has about 3.5% protein, 80% of which are caseins and the remaining 20% are whey proteins. It contains proteins, lactose, vitamins, minerals, and traces of fat. Whey proteins is a noted complete, high biological value (HBV) protein with a rich amino acid profile that meets all the essential, sulfur containing and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), which collectively constitute whey protein’s excellent protein efficiency ratio (PER), as well as its broad scope of application.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Whey and LDL Cholesterol: It was discovered that the minor constituent responsible for the ability of whey protein concentrate to prevent the oxidation of LDL appears to be the lactoferrin fraction of the protein.
Cancer: Whey protein concentrates have been researched extensively in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Glutathione stimulation is thought to be the primary immune-modulating mechanism. Bounous, 2000; discusses the antitumor and anticarcinogenic potential. The amino acid precursors to glutathione available in whey might: (1) increase glutathione concentration in relevant tissues, (2) stimulate immunity, and (3) detoxify potential carcinogens. Other authors conclude the iron-binding capacity of whey may also contribute to anticancer potential, as iron may act as a mutagenic agent causing oxidative damage to tissues.
Hepatitis: Whey protein supplementation demonstrates variable effects in patients infected with Hepatitis B or C. Initially it was found that bovine lactoferrin prevented hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in vitro in a human hepatocyte. line. In hepatitis, gluthone level may fall to below normal level. Whey is rich in cystine and body uses uses cystine to make glutathione. Thus it helps the people with hepatitis.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Glutathione deficiency is a common problem for individuals infected with HIV. An increase in GHS status is thought to optimize immune function. Compared to other common protein sources, incorporating whey proteins into the diet is shown to boost GHS production and optimize immunity. In an effort to increase cysteine, and ultimately glutathione, several studies have been conducted on the use of whey proteins in HIV-positive individuals.
Antimicrobial: Plasma levels of lactoferrin have been found to be elevated due to release from neutrophils during infection, inflammation, tumor development, and iron overload. Several studies have examined the effects of whey protein concentrates on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. In a concise review, Shah, 2000; discusses the bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal activity lactoferrin exhibits against a number of organisms, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus.
Obesity: Whey has made a significant commercial impact in the weight-loss industry for its protein content alone. The essential and non-essential amino acids in whey act as substrates for protein synthesis and may improve body mass index in individuals participating in exercise programs. The bioactive components in whey are thought to act synergistically with calcium to attenuate lipogenesis, accelerate lipolysis, and effect nutrient partitioning between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become less dense from osteoclastic versus osteoblastic dominance. Milk has been proposed as a nutritional food that aids in the prevention of osteoporosis due to its bio available calcium content . Research shows that whey protein helps prevent and treat Osteoporosis by increasing the number of Osteoblasts at the expense of osteoclast. Whey protein stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells .
Gastrointestinal Support: Whey protein has demonstrated a protective effect on the gastric mucosa. This effect is thought to be related to the sulfhydryl component, particularly cysteine and its link with glutamic acid in the production of glutathione. Interestingly, three non carbohydrates prebiotics from whey have also been found. The first is a glycomacropeptide (GMP). The second whey derived prebiotic is lactoferrin (Lf) and the third whey component with prebiotic potential is actually mineral. Dietary calcium, in the form of calcium phosphate (one of the forms found in dairy calcium) has been shown to selectively stimulate the growth of intestinal lactobacilli and decrease the severity of salmonella infections. Whey acts as a befitting carrier for the delivery of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, acting as a protective sheath for them from the digestive protease activity of the intestinal enzymes in an efficient way .
Ulcers: Laboratory and animal studies demonstrated that Lactoferrin, present in whey effectively eradicated Helicobacter pylori colonizing the stomach through the inhibition of the bacterium’s attachment to tissues and had a direct anti-bacterial effect on the microorganism. Hence, lactoferrin can potentially be included in the course of therapy for people suffering from ulcers relating to Helicobacter pylori.
Wound Healing: Adequate protein intake is essential for post-surgical wound healing and protein depletion delays the healing time. Whey provides protein necessary for wound healing. Surgery stresses the body, altering natural defenses, leading to various post-surgical complications. Zimecki demonstrated lactoferrin regulated the immune response and provided protective measures in post-surgical patients.
No comments:
Post a Comment