Whey Protein Soothes IBD

EDE, The NetherlandsCheese whey protein protects against intestinal inflammation by stimulating beneficial bacteria and enhancing the protective mucous layer in the gut, according to new findings from NIZO food researchers. The findings suggest cheese whey protein may be a useful ingredient for clinical foods for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Cheese whey protein is a rich source of the amino acids threonine and cysteine that have been shown to protect against intestinal inflammation; however, the effect of cheese whey protein itself was not known. In an in-vivo model NIZO scientist Corinne Sprong showed cheese whey protein enhances the protective mucous layer that covers the intestinal tract. She also found that cheese whey protein stimulates the intestinal microbiota species lactobacilli and bifidobacteria which are reported to have a beneficial effect on the gut.