# Effects of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ingestion on Serum Uric Acid Levels in Adult Men: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Parallel‐Group, Placebo‐Controlled Study

## TL;DR

A 12-week study found that whey protein hydrolysate lowers uric acid and improves kidney function in adult men without serious side effects.

## Contribution

This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial showing WPH reduces serum uric acid and improves renal function in humans.

## Key findings

- WPH significantly reduced serum uric acid levels after 12 weeks compared to placebo.
- WPH led to a significant decrease in BMI after 12 weeks compared to placebo.
- WPH improved serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate in a subgroup of healthy participants.

## Abstract

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with several diseases. Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH: product name, MWPH) contains multiple bioactive peptides and exhibits xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in vitro. This randomized, parallel group, placebo‐controlled study evaluates WPH supplementation on SUA levels in adult men with fasting SUA levels of 6.0–7.9 mg/dL. Participants consumed 5.0 g of WPH or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint, SUA, was significantly reduced in the WPH group compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks (p = 0.004). Furthermore, WPH also contains peptides that inhibit fat accumulation in cells in vitro, and in this study, BMI was significantly reduced in the WPH group compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks (p = 0.002). In a healthy subgroup of participants not receiving drug therapy, WPH also improved serum creatinine (p = 0.009) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.010), indicating potential renal benefits. No serious adverse events or side effects were observed throughout the trial. The findings indicate that WPH supplementation can effectively lower SUA levels and improve renal function, offering a promising dietary intervention to manage hyperuricemia and associated metabolic conditions.

Whey protein hydrolysate ingestion reduced uric acid levels after 12 weeks. Body mass index decreased with whey protein hydrolysate ingestion. Renal filtration rate improved with whey protein hydrolysate ingestion. No serious adverse effects due to whey protein hydrolysate ingestion were observed.