Whey Protein Can Boost Cardiovascular Function in Older Adults

A Syracuse University study published in Nutrients investigated the effect of whey protein on large artery stiffness, reports WWL-TV . Ninety-nine older adults between 61 and 73 years old — 45 percent of whom were female — were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either 50 grams daily of whey protein isolate (WPI) or an iso-carbohydrate control (CHO). "Compared to 12 weeks of CHO supplementation, WPI supplementation resulted in modest reductions in aortic stiffness and central hemodynamic load (assessed as the product of aortic systolic pressure and heart rate)," the researchers said. "WPI had no effect on carotid vascular properties, cerebrovascular response to cognitive activity, and limited effects on cognitive function." This led to the conclusion that "compared to CHO supplementation, WPI may favorably alter cardiovascular function in older adults, but does not have a substantial impact on cerebrovascular or neurocognitive function."