Whey protein and cholesterol:
Whey protein and a resistance training program reduced cholesterol. Overweight hypercholesterolemic men with serum cholesterol >200 mg/dl were randomly divided into 3 groups (placebo (n = 9), soy (n = 9) or whey (n = 10) supplementation) and participated in supervised resistance training for 12 weeks. Total serum cholesterol decreased significantly (average=5.8%) for all groups (mean reduction = 12.6 mg/dL), with no differences among groups. Specifically, total cholesterol reduction was 10.4 mg/dL for placebo, 11.2 mg/dL for soy, and 15.9 mg/dL for whey. Participation in a 12 week resistance exercise training program significantly reduced serum cholesterol, increased strength, and improved body composition in overweight, hypercholesterolemic men. Whey protein improved cholesterol a small amount more than placebo or soy protein but additional added benefit from protein (soy or whey) supplementation was not otherwise seen in this study group. (5)