A whey-derived bioactive peptide
promotes more blood vessel relaxation, a new study finds.
Researchers
from the University of Connecticut found that a peptide extract from
undenatured whey protein improved endothelial function in middle-aged
adults, thus reduced the burden of blood flow on the heart.
Measuring
flow-mediated dilation (FMD), an indicator of arterial stiffness, the authors
reveal that a whey protein extract successfully reminds arteries to relax.
Noting that previous studies have found that dairy proteins support healthy
blood pressure, this is the first research documenting a direct benefit of whey
protein on endothelial function in an elderly, at risk, population.
Researchers
dosed 21 men and women between the ages of 45 and 65 with a 5 gram supplement
of whey protein extract or a placebo. Amino acid concentrations, FMD, insulin,
and compounds known to act on the blood vessels were measured for 2 hours after
ingestion.
The
authors reported an increase in vasodilation (vessel relaxation) by 1 to 1.5
percent. Although a small number, the researchers emphasize that this change
packs a big punch. A stiffer artery accompanies a low FMD. Boosting arterial
elasticity by just 1 percentage point, the researchers explain, cuts potential
perils to the heart by a factor of 12.
“The
findings of the present study indicate that acute ingestion of an extract
derived from whey protein was rapidly absorbed and improved
endothelium-dependent dilation in older adults with vascular endothelial
dysfunction,” the authors report.
Whey’s
benefit on blood pressure, the authors suggest, may be explained
by this relaxation of the vessels, allowing for easier circulation throughout
the body. According to these findings, the rapidly absorbed amino
acids found in whey protein promote vasodilation—a likely explanation for the
decreases in blood pressure reported in other studies.
The
jury is still out on how the composition of whey protein, and this whey protein
extract, enables arterial release. For example, two important factors in
vascular health are nitric oxide—a potent vasodilator—and angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE), an important enzyme in blood pressure regulation.
Interestingly, however, the whey protein supplement failed to effect levels of
either nitric oxide or ACE, suggesting other likely ways may be responsible for
whey’s benefits on circulation.
The
researchers used a bioactive tri-peptide—a short protein chain consisting of
three amino acids—derived from whey. Maintaining the integrity of this
protein chain, from milk, in processing, and through the gut,
may be the key to explaining how this extract boosts endothelial function.
Amino
acids are used to build body proteins; peptides, on the other hand, are used
to communicate, interact with, and direct the functional responses of
cells. Undenatured whey protein undergoes less processing and is more likely to
retain these bioactive peptides—preserving the small protein during
absorption is the tough part.
This
research suggests that the hearty benefits of this tripeptide may come
from the nature of the structure, not just the amino acids that it is
composed of. Further investigation, the authors write, is required
to confirm that this peptide retains its structure during
absorption and goes on to act as a signaling molecule in the body. In
this case, the tripeptide’s signal is acting on the arterial walls.
Tight
blood vessels counteract cardiac health, an effect common in aging. With
room for more research, the authors write that older individuals experiencing
impaired endothelial function could release some
strain in the arteries by eating these bioactive peptides
sourced from whey protein.
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Reference
Ballard
KD et al. Acute effects of ingestion of a novel whey-derived extract on
vascular endothelial function in overweight, middle-aged men and women. British
Journal of Nutrition 2012.
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