Comparative insulin and glycemic response to dietary protein intake in healthy males

The aim of this study was to compare plasma AA concentrations, insulin and glycemic response to an intake of whey protein concentrate (WPC) or chicken protein isolate (CPI). 28 healthy males were assigned to a treatment drink of WPC, Glucose, or CPI. WPC and glucose intake caused an insulinogenic effect followed by a significant drop below baseline at 180-minutes leading to blood glucose changes with similar characteristics as rebound hypoglycemia. CPI resulted in a significant rise in insulin (p< .05) much lower than that seen in the other treatment groups. Plasma glucose levels remained within a normal range for chicken ingestion and did not show a significant decrease below baseline. Whey led to a higher early AA response whereas chicken had a longer-term sustained response. In conclusion, CPI may induce a more favorable insulin response in combination with a steady moderate range of postprandial blood glucose compared to WPC.