Metabolic effects of a novel microfiltered native whey protein in diet-induced obese mice

Microfiltered native whey protein (MFNW) exerts superior in vitro functional properties compared to traditional cheese whey protein. We here investigated the metabolic effects of a novel MFNW, produced by economic polymeric membranes and rich in α-lactalbumin (α-lactalbumin 24% and β-lactoglobulin 65% of the protein), in a mice model of diet-induced obesity during weight gain and weight loss. Furthermore, the effects of MFNW were compared with those of α-lactalbumin. Replacement of casein in the diet (18% of energy) by MFNW prevented weight gain and body fat accumulation without influencing food intake, body temperature or glucose homeostasis. However, the anti-obesity effect of MFNW was inferior compared to α-lactalbumin (approximately 1/3). During weight loss (70% of ad libitum energy intake) the beneficial effects of both MFNW and α-lactalbumin were attenuated. Our findings indicate that MFNW protects against diet-induced obesity, and suggest that the beneficial effects of MFNW are due, to a great extent, to its α-lactalbumin content.