STORRS, Conn.—Supplementation with a novel whey-derived peptide (as Actinos®, from Glanbia Nutritionals) improved vascular function in healthy individuals, according to a study published Nutrition Journal (2009;8:34). A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study design was used. Ten healthy men and women (n=10) participated in two vascular testing days each preceded by two weeks of supplementation with a single dose of 5 g/d of a novel whey-derived peptide (NOP-47) or placebo. There was a two week washout period between trials. Baseline peak flow mediated dilation (FMD) was not different for placebo (7.7 percent) and NOP-47 (7.8 percent). Placebo had no effect on FMD at 30, 60 and 90 min post-ingestion, whereas NOP-47 significantly improved FMD responses at these respective postprandial time points compared to baseline. Baseline reactive hyperemia forearm blood flow was not different for placebo and NOP-47. Hyperemia blood flow measured 120 minutes post-ingestion was unaffected by placebo whereas NOP-47 significantly increased hyperemia compared to baseline. Plasma myeloperoxidase was increased transiently by both NOP-47 and placebo, but there were no changes in markers inflammation. Plasma total nitrites/nitrates significantly decreased over the two hour post-ingestion period and were lower at 120 minutes after placebo compared to NOP-47.
“This is the first time a natural peptide has been shown to positively impact vascular function using these techniques,” stated Dr. Volek. “Glanbia’s whey peptide could be of significant value in maintaining nitric oxide levels and vascular function. Generally, impaired vascular function is found in individuals with obesity, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, heart failure, aging and other chronic ailments. Maintaining a healthy endothelium is critical for overall health and maximizing sports performance. Future experiments on the impact of this peptide on individuals with an impaired vascular endothelium would be particularly relevant to address the potential of the peptide for prophylactic or therapeutic applications.”
Study co-author, Dr. Richard Seip of Hartford Hospital, commented, “With such significant results in younger, healthy individuals, I would suggest that there is a likelihood that older individuals would also benefit from the effects of this peptide in terms of maintaining vascular health.”