ANTI-OXIDANT EFFECT OF WHEY PROTEINS

Being Up-Dated June 2003

The tripeptide, gluatathione (GSH) is essential for metabolic and cell-cycle related functions is almost all cells. It is a central mechanism against intra- and intracellular oxidative stress. Whey proteins are rich in the sulfur amino acids essential for the formation of glutathione, and thus play a direct role in increasing cellular glutathione levels and thus protect from oxidative stress. Glutathione has been shown to be important in respect to:

· Immune regulation

· Cancer prevention in animals

· Helping to overcome the glutathione deficiency in HIV patients

· Treating glutathione deficiency in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

· Improve immune function

· Improve liver function

References:

Kent,K. Harper,W. J., Bomser,J. A., 2003. Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione on oxidant induced cell death in human prostate cells. Toxicology in Vitro. 17: 27-33.

Miche, P., Beeh, K.M., Schlaak, J.F & Buhl, R. (2001) Oral supplementation with whey proteins increases plasma glutathione levels of HIV infected patients. European Journal of Journal Clinical Investigation. 31(2): 171-178.

Micke, P, Beeh, K.M. & Buhl, R. (2002) Effect of long term supplementation with whey proteins on plasma glutathione levels of HIV infected patients. European Journal of Nutrition 41:12-18.

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