Protein supplements and cardiovascular health
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Protein Supplements and Cardiovascular Health: Key Findings
High-Quality Protein Supplements and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Recent research shows that high-quality protein supplements—such as soy, milk, whey, and casein—can help reduce several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Soy protein lowers systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Milk protein also reduces systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol. Whey protein supplementation decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fasting blood insulin. Casein supplementation mainly lowers systolic blood pressure. These benefits are especially notable in people with hypertension or those who are overweight or obese, with whey protein ranking highest for improving cardiometabolic health in these groups .
Whey Protein and Cardiometabolic Health
Whey protein supplementation, particularly when combined with exercise, is effective in reducing LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, especially in healthy adults under 50 and those who are overweight or obese. Whey protein also lowers triglyceride levels when used for at least 12 weeks. However, it does not significantly affect HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, or insulin resistance in the general population .
Protein Supplements in Young Adults
In young adult males, protein supplements do not show a significant positive effect on cardiovascular health or exercise performance. Heart rate variability and blood pressure responses after exercise are similar between those who use protein supplements and those who do not .
Mycoprotein and Cardiovascular Health
Mycoprotein, a fungal-derived protein, is high in essential amino acids, fiber, and low in saturated fat. Clinical studies indicate that mycoprotein consumption can reduce cholesterol, improve lipid profiles, and potentially lower blood pressure. These effects may be due to its positive impact on gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory properties .
High-Protein Diets and Cardiovascular Outcomes
While higher-protein diets can help with short-term weight loss and improve blood lipid profiles, long-term data on their impact on cardiovascular outcomes are mixed. Some studies show no significant association between high protein intake and reduced risk of cardiovascular death, stroke, or non-fatal cardiovascular events Hu2005Mantzouranis2023.
Plant vs. Animal Protein Sources
Consuming more plant protein is consistently linked to a lower risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke, while higher animal protein intake is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Replacing animal protein with plant protein can reduce CVD risk. Plant-protein–rich diets also improve total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol more effectively than animal-protein–rich diets Reddy2022Yao2024Qian2024.
Protein Supplementation in Heart Failure
In older adults with heart failure, protein supplementation may improve cardiovascular function, as indicated by better pulse-pressure response to exertion and trends toward lower levels of heart failure biomarkers. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings .
Conclusion
Protein supplements, especially those from high-quality sources like whey, soy, and mycoprotein, can improve certain cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in people with hypertension or those who are overweight. The greatest cardiovascular benefits are seen with plant-based proteins, while animal protein may increase risk. However, the overall impact of high-protein diets and supplements on long-term cardiovascular outcomes remains uncertain, and effects can vary by age, health status, and protein source. Replacing animal protein with plant protein is a promising strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk.
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