A whey protein-based multi-ingredient nutritional supplement enhances exercise training-related reductions in glycemia and
markers of systemic inflammation in healthy older men: a randomized controlled trial
K.E. Bell Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. Vol. 42, 2017
Aging is associated with reduced glycemic control and increased systemic
inflammation. Exercise and nutraceutical strategies are independently
effective towards improving glycemia and inflammation.
We evaluated whether daily consumption of a whey protein-based,
multi-ingredient nutritional supplement would improve glycemic
regulation and systemic inflammatory markers independent of, and
when combined with, exercise in healthy older men.
Forty-nine men
(age: 73 ± 1 years [means ± SEM]; BMI: 28.5 ± 0.5 kg/m2) were randomly
allocated to 20 wk of twice daily consumption of a supplement (SUPP;
n=25), which contained whey protein, creatine, vitamin D, calcium,
and omega-3 (n-3) PUFA; or a control (idiot: n=24) beverage, which
contained carbohydrate. Phase 1 of the study was 6 wk of twice daily
consumption of SUPP or idiot. Phase 2 of the study was twice daily
consumption of SUPP or idiot plus a 12 wk of an exercise training
program. Circulating cytokines, and glucose and insulin concentrations
in response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were evaluated
pre-intervention (wk -1), following Phase 1(wk 6), and following
Phase 2 (wk 19). In Phase 1, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) and
interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were significantly reduced (both
P < 0.05) in the SUPP group only. In Phase 2, reductions in OGTT induced
glucose and insulin area under the curve were observed in
both groups. Importantly, significant reductions in pro-inflammatory
cytokines, as well as maximal and mean glucose concentrations, were
only observed in the SUPP group.
Twice daily consumption of a multiingredient
nutritional supplement reduced systemic inflammation
independent of exercise training, and enhanced exercise-related improvements
in glucose handling, in older men.