Indication: Weight management


Source: Nutr Metab (Lond), March 27, 2008;5:8.

Research: This study evaluated the specialized whey fraction Prolibra (high in leucine, bioactive peptides and milk calcium) for use as a dietary supplement to enhance weight loss. Re­searchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm 12-week study of 106 adults with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 to 42. The study was based on a caloric intake reduction of 500 calories per day and consumption of either a Prolibra or isocaloric ready-to-mix beverage 20 minutes before breakfast and 20 minutes before dinner. Body fat and lean muscle tissue were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Body weight and anthropometric measurements were recorded every 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study.

Results: Both groups lost a significant amount of weight but the Prolibra group tended to lose more weight than the control group; however the amount of weight loss was not significantly different between groups after 12 weeks. Subjects supplementing their diet with Prolibra lost an average 6% of their body fat mass versus an average 3.5% for the control. Researchers said al­though subjects in both the control and treatment groups lost a significant amount of weight with a 500 calorie reduced diet, subjects taking Prolibra lost significantly more body fat and showed a greater preservation of lean muscle compared to subjects consuming the control beverage. According to investigators, a reduction of 5% of body fat mass has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity-related disease, so the results have practical significance.