Researchers Find That Different Protein Sources Have Unique Effects On Metabolism

A team of researchers from the Nestlé Research Center (Switzerland) has determined that proteins derived from whey (milk), casein (milk) and soy (soybeans) act very differently on human metabolism, but all three “could be used to modulate metabolism and subsequently energy balance.” Healthy adults consumed three different meals of equal calorie content consisting of 50 percent protein from whey, casein and soy protein respectively (with 40 percent carbohydrate and 10 percent fat), and a fourth, high-carbohydrate meal (95 percent carbohydrate). The protein-rich meals led to a greater energy expenditure and thermic effect than the high-carbohydrate meal. The effects of whey were significantly greater than those of casein and soy and were accompanied by a trend toward greater fat oxidation.