Original Article
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 1076–1083; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009.34; published online 27 May 2009
Differential effects of casein versus whey on fasting plasma levels of insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3: results from a randomized 7-day supplementation study in prepubertal boys
C Hoppe1,2, C Mølgaard1, C Dalum1, A Vaag3 and K F Michaelsen1
- 1Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- 2Department of Nutrition, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg, Denmark
- 3Steno Diabetes Centre, Gentofte, Denmark
Correspondence: Dr C Hoppe, Department of Nutrition, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark. E-mail: cahop@food.dtu.dk
Received 26 June 2008; Revised 20 March 2009; Accepted 15 April 2009; Published online 27 May 2009.
Abstract
Background/Objectives:
Milk increases both fasting insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and thereby growth, in healthy prepubertal boys. It is, however, unknown which components in milk are responsible for milk's growth-stimulating effect.
Subjects/Methods:
To get closer to the identification of which components in milk that stimulate growth, we have performed an intervention study with 57 eight-year-old boys in which we examined the effects of the two major milk protein fractions, whey and casein, and milk minerals (Ca and P) in a 2 
2 factorial design on IGFs and glucose–insulin metabolism. The amounts of whey and casein were identical to the content in 1.5 l skim milk. The amounts of Ca and P were similar to 1.5 l skim milk in the high-mineral drinks, whereas the amounts of Ca and P were reduced in the low-mineral drinks.
Results:
There were no interactions between milk mineral groups (high, low) and milk protein groups (whey, casein). Serum IGF-1 increased by 15% (P<0.0001), whereas there was no change in fasting insulin (P=0.36) in the casein group. In the whey group, fasting insulin increased by 21% (P=0.006), with no change in IGF-1 (P=0.27). There were no independent effects of a high milk mineral intake on IGF-1 and insulin.
Conclusions:
The main milk protein fractions exhibit important but different growth-promoting effects by increasing either fasting insulin (whey) or IGF-1 (casein) levels.
Keywords:
milk, casein, whey, IGF-1, insulin, children
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