The effects of whey protein supplementation on adiponectin and leptin in women with and without PCOS

The current study investigated the effects of whey protein supplementation on high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, leptin, and insulin concentrations in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Six PCOS women (PCO) and eight non-PCOS women (CON) were included in this study. Each subject consumed a daily 35g whey protein pre-load 30 minutes prior to their afternoon meal for 40 days. At Day 1, Day 20, and Day 40, participants were brought to the clinic and blood samples were collected to analyze HMW adiponectin, leptin, and insulin. Statistical analyses tested within groups, between groups, and adjusted for body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage. In addition, correlations were evaluated for HMW adiponectin, leptin, and insulin. There were no significant differences between groups or within groups at Day 1, 20, and 40. Although not considered statistically significant, there was an 11% increase and 17% decrease in insulin (t = +30mins) concentrations in the CON group and PCO group, respectively, from Day 1 to Day 40. After adjusting for body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, there was a statistically significant difference in HMW adiponectin concentration between the two groups at Day 1 (p < .05, partial 2 = .499). There was also a significant inverse correlation between HMW adiponectin and insulin at Day 40 in both groups (r = -.650). In women with PCOS, daily 35g whey protein supplementation normalized HMW adiponectin and insulin response to concentrations similar to women without PCOS after 40 days.