(P08-001-20) Cholesterogenic Effects of Whey Protein Isolate Supplementation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objectives: The current study examined the short- and long-term effects of whey protein isolate ingestion on circulating Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a disorder characterized by reproductive, metabolic and endocrine disruption in women of reproductive age. Nutritional management options are limited. Whey protein isolate (WPI) improves metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes, but its therapeutic potential in polycystic women has yet to be realized. Women with PCOS have altered metabolic profiles and are more likely to develop liver disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Given the association between PCOS and NAFLD, we hypothesized that supplementation with WPI may attenuate circulating LDL and TC in a polycystic population.

Methods: Fifteen premenopausal women with PCOS and fourteen healthy, regularly menstruating women underwent three 150-min oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT): (i) OGTT without protein preload, (ii) OGTT on 20th, and (iii) 40th day of protein preload. Participants consumed 35g protein daily with protein intake 30 min before carbohydrate load on test days. Plasma levels of LDL and total cholesterol were assessed at baseline, day 20 and day 40 to determine short- and long-term effects using a Biolis 24i chemistry analyzer. (Participant recruitment, data collection and analyses in progress.)

Results: Preliminary data indicates that time and condition (PCOS vs control) did not have a significant effect on LDL or TC levels within and between groups (p > .05). However, disease condition had a significant impact on LDL (p< .001) and TC (p = .001) concentrations.  Changes in LDL and TC levels after 40 days of protein preload are currently being analyzed.

Conclusions: Women with PCOS have higher levels of LDL and TC than those without this condition. While short-term effects of 35g WPI ingestion do not seem to alter these levels, a longer duration of supplementation may induce more beneficial effects (currently being conducted). Findings from this study may provide foundational support for WPI as a nutritional treatment for women with PCOS.

Funding Sources: Glanbia Nutritionals, INC and Human Nutrition Research Funds, Texas Woman’s University