Table 1.
Health-promoting effects and mechanism action of whey proteins.
| Health-Promoting Effect | Mechanism of Action | Refs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | a. The antimicrobial impact is effective against bacterial pathogens and the rotavirus that leads to gastrointestinal infections | b. Various microorganisms, including Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, filamentous bacteria, and parasitic protozoa, are effectively inhibited, along with certain antibiotic-resistant pathogens | c. Maximizing the intrinsic immune cell reaction by boosting phagocytosis | [14] |
| Anticancer | a. Great substitute for oral nutritional supplements for cancer patients due to its high-quality proteins, minimal lactose/fat content, and good digestion | b. Enhancing the immune system and nutritional health of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy | c. Boosting glutathione levels in pertinent organs and activating the glutathione pathway to promote protection against cancer cells | [15] |
| Anti-diabetes | a. Stimulating insulin secretion | b. Significantly higher ability to stimulate insulin production compared to casein, milk, and numerous other proteins | c. Decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia in a dose-dependent manner | [16] |
| Antioxidant | a. Scavenging reactive oxygen species | b. Combining with ions of transition metals and postponing the peroxidation process | c. Increased antioxidant capacity through Maillard coupling | [17] |
| Antiviral | a. Binding to the respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus in humans | b. Inhibiting virus replication | c. Maximizing the intrinsic immune cell reaction by boosting phagocytosis | [18] |
| Hypotensive | a. The ACE inhibitory method is used to reduce blood pressure | _ | _ | [19] |
| Liver protection | a. Enhancing liver function and elevating the level of plasma glutathione | b. Reducing the concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol within the liver | _ | [20] |
| Treatment of malnutrition and sarcopenia | a. Being a leucine-rich protein | b. Enhance muscle mass, muscle strength, and lower-extremity function in older individuals who have sarcopenia | c. Enhancing muscle protein synthesis after meals in older individuals with sarcopenia | [21] |