Impacts of supplementation with milk proteins on inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundImpacts of milk proteins (MPs) on inflammation are uncertain. The current systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the effects of whey protein (WP), casein protein (CP), or MP supplementation on serum levels of cytokines and adipokines in adults.MethodsA comprehensive search of various online databases was conducted to find appropriate clinical trials published until September 2024. A random-effect statistical model was implemented.ResultsThe meta-analysis included 53 RCTs. It was indicated that MP supplements had no substantial effects on serum values of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), adiponectin, and leptin. However, there were statistically significant decreases in serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) following supplementation with MP (weighted mean difference (WMD): - 0.25 pg/mL, 95% CI - 0.48, - 0.03; P = 0.026) in the intervention group compared with the control group.ConclusionThis study revealed that MP supplementation may not have any considerable impacts on the levels of cytokines and adipokines.