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Here’s a deep dive into whey protein benefits for immune system health—based on key bioactives and amino acids—that make whey protein a top choice for immune support products.
Consumer interest in immune health has surged in recent years, driven by increased awareness of the importance of a robust immune system to maintaining health. Many are turning to foods, beverages, and supplements due to the foundational role of nutrition in supporting a strong immune system. The links between whey protein and immune health offer a valuable opportunity for brands to meet this need.
Whey protein is rich in bioactives that support the immune system. Some of the most studied dairy bioactives are lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, glycomacropeptides (GMPs), alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA), and beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG). Understanding the whey protein benefits for immune system support can help brands communicate the distinct advantage of products made with this ingredient.
Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein that can bind the iron needed by pathogenic bacteria to grow. Lactoferrin also has direct antimicrobial effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi and acts as an immunomodulator. In this role, it enhances the ability of immune cells (including macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells), to respond to infections—benefiting short- and long-term immunity.
Immunoglobulins are a group of proteins, also known as antibodies, that can identify and neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses and also support mucosal immunity through immunoglobulin A (IgA). Whey protein naturally contains a range of immunoglobulins, such as IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM.
Glycomacropeptides (GMPs) are peptides in milk that support the immune system in several ways: by acting as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, through immunomodulation, and direct antibacterial action.
Bioactive proteins alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) and beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) also provide immune benefits; α-LA can increase antibodies’ response to infection via B-lymphocytes and T-cells and β-LG supports antioxidant activity. Both enhance the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects immune cells from oxidative damage.
Besides bioactives, whey protein contains amino acids critical to immune system function. The amino acid glutamine helps muscle glycogen update and prevent the immune function decline with the body’s glutamine demand higher during times of stress and intense physical activity. Cysteine is a precursor for glutathione, which removes free radicals from the body, regulates the immune system, and has direct antimicrobial effects.
Research into whey protein and immune health has shown various positive impacts on immune system function. One study confirmed the immunomodulatory properties of whey protein extracts (through priming neutrophils) and its potential to increase the body’s defenses,1 while another concluded that whey and lactoferrin modulate oxidative stress and the inflammatory response by activating intestinal TLR immune system receptors.2
Studies also found that microfiltered whey protein isolate significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation,3 and that increasing the amount of whey protein consumed by participants led to a corresponding linear increase in lymphocyte GSH levels, with 45 grams/day for two weeks increasing lymphocyte GSH levels by 24%.4
Whey protein has been determined to play a protective role against a range of immune/inflammatory diseases, including gastritis, colitis, and asthma, with effects considered to be comparable with the effects observed with many medicines.5 Additionally, whey protein concentrate may activate adaptive immunity (by modulating helper T cells) for long-term immunity.6
Whey protein also has a vital role in the early years. During early life, whey protein can enhance innate mucosal immunity (with the mucous membranes lining the digestive, respiratory, and urogenital tracts as significant entry points for pathogens) and protect against some immune disorders.
The science-backed benefits of whey protein for immunity make it an ideal ingredient for functional immune-support beverages and bars, infant formulas, children’s drinks, and healthy aging products. Bioactive lactoferrin, trending in infant formulas and immunity supplements, can also be added directly to these products.
Whey protein can be incorporated into sports nutrition products, both for muscle support and to support athletes' immune defenses, helping them maintain health and optimum performance. Communicating the immune benefit is key for brands since it may be less well-known than whey protein’s muscle-building role. The neutral taste and color of whey protein make it easy to include in formulations.
As an ingredient, whey protein provides a unique value proposition—through its natural bioactives, abundant amino acids, and scientific support—that can significantly elevate the functional benefits of products, specifically in the area of immune health.
Tap into the power of whey protein to fortify your products with unparalleled immune health benefits. Partner with us to harness scientific innovation and meet the growing consumer demand for functional nutrition.
Contact Glanbia Nutritionals today to explore the possibilities.