Question

Elaborate upon the scientific relevance for therapeutic usefulness of whey with specific examples.

Hint:

Whey protein’s high-quality amino acids and bioactive compounds make it therapeutically valuable for immunity, muscle health, and chronic disease management.

Answer 1

Whey is a by-product of cheese production and is scientifically significant due to its rich content of high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds. It has several therapeutic uses:

• Immune System Support: Whey proteins such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins help enhance immune function by stimulating the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
• Muscle Recovery and Growth: Whey is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine that promote muscle protein synthesis, making it beneficial for athletes and patients recovering from muscle loss.
• Management of Chronic Diseases: Whey proteins have been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation, aiding in management of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
• Gut Health: Whey contains bioactive peptides that promote beneficial gut bacteria and improve intestinal health.

Examples:

• Whey protein supplements are widely used in sports nutrition to aid muscle recovery.
• Clinical use of whey-based formulations to support patients with chronic kidney disease and cancer cachexia.