Whey protein consumption linked to increased immunity, stresses Volac

28 Oct 2021 --- Enhancing immune health has become a growing priority for consumers across the globe, and as many as six in ten consumers say that they have become more conscious about their immune health and overall well-being. That is according to Volac, which urges that a healthy lifestyle can maintain and support the integrity of the immune system.

The immune system is one of the body’s most sophisticated and complex systems, including many different layers. It’s a powerful defense tool against bacteria and infections, and can severely compromise health when functioning incorrectly.

The immune system consists of white blood cells and molecules like cytokines and antibodies that identify and eliminate threats from external invaders. These cells and factors are found in the bloodstream, lymph organs, and other locations such as the gut.     

Within the sports nutrition category, the use of immune health claims is increasing.Ahead of the company’s webinar next week, entitled “Unlocking the power of whey protein: Immunity,” Volac experts speak to FoodIngredientsFirst about the whey protein arena and its links to better health. 

“Whey protein contains all nine of the essential amino acids which can only be found in food. These amino acids are required by immune cells to function efficiently, and whey protein is their richest natural source and is readily available to consumers,” says Elisa Glover, nutrition specialist at Volac International. 

Fighting infection
The immune system’s components are made up of amino acids, and during infection, the body will draw upon the protein stores to make new cells, proteins and peptides for the immune response, she details. 

Amino acids can also be irreversibly oxidized or converted to other fuels like glucose and glutamine as part of the immune response.

“It is therefore important to supply the body with high-quality protein, such as whey, through the diet to replenish any lost stores and ensure optimal immune health.”

According to Nadia El-Zanfaly, marketing manager for performance and dairy ingredients at Volac, diet is one of the main ways consumers look to optimize their health and well-being, particularly as flu season approaches. 

“It is important for us to help educate on the benefits of whey and immunity. There has been a huge influx in the number of consumers looking to learn about the benefits of whey protein, how to achieve optimal intake and how they can incorporate whey into their everyday diet.”

Notably, El-Zanfaly says whey protein is continuously recognized as a “key macronutrient across all consumer groups that far exceed the traditional sports nutrition consumer, and education is a vital part of the journey.”

NutritionInsight previously spoke with El-Zanfaly about the role dairy can play in boosting immunity. 

Whey for sports products
Within the sports nutrition category, the use of immune health claims is increasing, according to Innova Market Insights. The market researcher says there has been a +50% average annual growth of sports powders tracked with an immune health claim (2020). The immune system is one of the body’s most sophisticated and complex systems.

Glover adds: “Immunity has always been a key concern; avoiding illness is crucial for maintaining training volumes, which drives performance gains.”

“Therefore, people are looking for ways in which to stay healthy and attain their goals. These could be products that support immunity and ideally enhance adaptations at the same time.”

For example, sufficient carbohydrate and protein intake are required to resynthesize glycogen and support muscle protein synthesis. “But they are also recommended to maintain immune health in athletes, as intense training can increase the risk of upper respiratory infection symptoms,” Glover notes.

To hear more about whey protein and its gains for immunity, you can register for Volac’s webinar here.

By Elizabeth Green