Whey Protein, Vitamins C and E Decrease Interleukin-10 in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Pioneer, Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Trial

• Published in: Journal of renal nutrition Vol. 34; no. 1; p. 58
• Main Authors: da Silva, Angela Teodósio, Machado, Roberta Pieri, Martins, Mayara Lopes, Dorneles, Luís Eduardo Gomes, Dalmarco, Eduardo Monguilhott, da Silva, Edson Luiz, Hinnig, Patrícia de Fragas, Wazlawik, Elisabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Pilot Projects; Renal Dialysis; Vitamins - therapeutic use; Whey Proteins - therapeutic use; Ascorbic Acid; Vitamin E; Dietary supplements; Renal dialysis; Inflammation; Whey proteins; Nutritional status
• ISSN: 1532-8503
• DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2023.08.007

To evaluate the effects of supplementation with whey protein combined with vitamins C and E on inflammatory markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This was a pioneer, randomized and double-blinded study. Patients were randomized into two groups and stratified by HD frequency. The supplementation group received 20 g of whey protein, 250 mg of vitamin C, and 600 IU of vitamin E; the placebo group, 20 g of rice flour, and microcrystalline cellulose capsules. The interventions were given after HD, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks. The inflammatory markers were assessed: interleukin (IL) IL-12p70, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. For statistical analysis, the χ2 test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance for repeated two-way measurements, paired t test, and Wilcoxon test were performed. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Twenty-three patients completed the study. No significant differences were found in inflammatory markers when comparing the groups postintervention. In the intragroup was a decrease in IL-10 in the supplementation group after 8 weeks (P = .0382). IL-6 tended to decrease by 810.95% in the supplementation group and increased by 732.8% (nonsignificant) in the placebo group. Whey protein combined with vitamins C and E significantly reduced IL-10 in the supplementation group and could be beneficial to reduce IL-6 in HD patients. Future studies are suggested with a larger sample size, different supplementation doses, and longer interventions.