Protein2026-07

Whey Protein Supplementation Positively Modulates Lung Function and Pulmonary and Systemic Immune Response in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Moura-Maia Meiry Souza, Paula-Vieira Rosa Helena Ramos, Ramos-Gomes Nycole Vieira, Melamed Dobroslav et al. — Journal of the American Nutrition Association

Summary

This study explored whether daily whey protein supplementation could benefit older adults. It found that taking whey protein for three months improved lung function and strengthened both the immune response in the lungs and throughout the body, while also reducing inflammation. These findings suggest a potential role for whey protein in supporting respiratory and immune health as people age.

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Key points

Daily whey protein supplementation improved several measures of lung function in older adults.
It enhanced both the immune response within the lungs and the body's overall immune system.
Whey protein intake also showed anti-inflammatory effects, reducing markers of inflammation in the body.
Participants experienced improvements in their overall physical capacity and muscle strength.

What the study looked at

What question the study asked: Researchers wanted to know if taking whey protein supplements could improve lung health and immune function in older adults, who often have lower protein intake and a weaker immune system. They specifically looked at effects on the lungs and the body's overall immune response. How it was studied: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial. A group of older adults, mostly in their late 60s, were divided into two groups. One group received 25 grams of isolated whey protein daily for three months, while the other served as a control. Scientists then measured various aspects of lung function, immune markers in breath and blood, and physical capabilities. What it found: The study found that older adults taking whey protein showed significant improvements in several measures of lung function, indicating better breathing capacity. They also had reduced levels of inflammatory markers and increased levels of beneficial immune proteins in both their lungs and blood, suggesting a stronger, less inflamed immune system. Additionally, their physical function and muscle strength improved.

Dietary takeaway

This research suggests that including whey protein in the diet might be a beneficial strategy for older adults to support lung health and bolster their immune system, potentially helping to reduce inflammation. While whey protein can be found in dairy products, supplementation offers a concentrated source. However, it's important to remember that this is just one study, and more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish definitive dietary recommendations.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Aging is associated with reduced protein intake, increasing the risk of infections by damping the pulmonary and systemic immune response. Although whey protein supplementation improves systemic immune response, its effects on the pulmonary immune response are unknown. METHODS: This clinical trial composed by two groups (Control; = 38; Age 69.31 ± 6.13; Men = 9; Women = 27) and (Whey; = 27;; Age 68.14 ± 5.72; Men = 12; Women = 31) investigated whether isolated whey protein supplementation (IWPS) (25 g/day; 7 days/week; 3 months) could impact the pulmonary immune response, as a primary outcome, and the lung function, systemic cellular and humoral immune response, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength and body composition as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Three months of IWPS improved the lung function, such as force expiratory volume (FEV) ( < 0.048), forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV/FVC) (forced vital capacity) ( < 0.003), forced expiratory volume 25-75% (FEF25-75%) ( < 0.048), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) ( < 0.002). IWPS reduced the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) ( < 0.015), interleukin 6 (IL-6) ( < 0.001) and tumoral necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) ( < 0.001) levels, while increased IL-10 ( < 0.001) and Klotho ( < 0.013) in breath condensate, displaying an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effect. Furthermore, IWPS improved systemic immune response, as showed by reduction on blood total leukocytes ( < 0.017), neutrophils ( < 0.049), and eosinophils ( < 0.009), and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6 ( < 0.005) and TNF-α ( < 0.001) and increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 ( < 0.00005) and anti-aging protein Klotho ( < 0.0436). The functional capacity ( < 0.0031), expiratory muscle ( < 0.0001) and peripheral muscle strength ( < 0.0028) was improved by IWPS. CONCLUSION: IWPS improved pulmonary and systemic immune response, lung function and functional capacity of older adults.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2026.2615981