As we all know, the ability to prevent various diseases is mainly related to immunity. Exercise, busy lifestyle and aging all pose threats to immune function. Nutritional status is often emphasized in relation to immune system health. However, research shows that from a nutritional perspective, a balanced diet alone is not sufficient to achieve optimal immune function and, therefore, to maintain health and prevent disease.
Lifestyle and dietary habits, along with exercise, affect immune response. If exercise training is not accompanied by proper nutrition, it will lead to impaired immune function. Many active people do not understand the close relationship between their muscles and their immune system. Glutamic acid is the main energy source for immune function, and its formation mainly occurs in muscle tissue. Immune cells cannot synthesize this amino acid on their own, so it must be supplied by muscles. The immune system requires a continuous supply of large amounts of glutamate from the body. If metabolic demands exceed the rate of production, problems can arise. When life is stressful (such as improper nutrition and lack of sleep) coupled with intense exercise training, the body's demand for glutamate can easily exceed its production capacity. This phenomenon can lead to poor performance in athletes, but more serious consequences are reinfections and long-lasting illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Whey protein can regulate immune function and effectively improve immunity. The specific components of whey protein provide biological activity that far exceeds its functional properties as a source of high-quality amino acids. These special proteins have immune-modulating functions.
Whey protein is a soluble protein in milk protein, accounting for about 20% of milk protein. Whey protein not only contains well-known macromolecular proteins, such as α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, but also contains small-molecule serum proteins, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins and tissue growth factors. These proteins have been proven to be immune-enhancing components, can regulate a certain range of immune functions, and are associated with a specific range of biologically active functions, such as having probiotic effects, promoting tissue repair, maintaining intestinal integrity, destroying pathogenic bacteria, and eliminating pathogenic bacteria. Toxins, etc.
Whey protein is the richest and most efficient natural source of branched-chain amino acids. Supplementing branched-chain amino acids before exercise can prevent strep throatdecrease the proliferation of B-cells and prevent the decrease in plasma glutamate concentration after exercise. Glutamic acid in muscles is exported to the blood and is metabolically an indispensable fuel for supplying energy for immune function. Branched-chain amino acids are used specifically in muscles to make glutamate. Whey protein, more than casein, helps maintain plasma glutamate concentrations that may be reduced by strenuous exercise training and significantly increases muscle strength.
Improper protein (amino acid) intake may hinder immune function. Increasing the protein ratio in meals can safely and effectively improve health, reduce blood lipid concentrations, increase insulin or glucose metabolism, and promote the elimination of excess weight. Active individuals and the elderly should have higher dietary protein requirements than previously recommended. The American Dairy Association recommends a daily intake of 20 grams, up to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, which has considerable benefits for the body.
Since whey protein plays an important role in improving the body's immunity, whey protein has certain effects in anti-cancer. The potential anticancer effects of dietary whey protein are particularly significant in humans. Clinical trials have also confirmed the benefits of whey protein for HIV-infected patients.