The trophic effects of an enteral formula containing whey peptides on the intestinal tract

Abstract

Whey protein, a component of milk protein, is a nutritionally superior to the other forms of protein because it is digested and absorbed rapidly in the digestive tract and is rich in essential amino acids, especially branched‐chain amino acids. We recently demonstrated that whey protein and its hydrolyzed peptides had anti‐inflammatory effects. Therefore, we developed an enteral formula, MHN‐02, that contained whey peptides as the main protein source and investigated its effectiveness in various experimental models. In an indomethacin‐induced small‐bowel disorder rat model, the formula inhibited bacterial translocations to the mesenteric lymph nodes and liver, which might be related to its protective effect on the intestinal mucosa. Moreover, it delayed the incidence of diarrhea induced by the cancer chemotherapy agent, 5‐fluorouracil, and preserved the body weight of the rats. In conclusion, the whey peptide‐based enteral formula can potentially reduce the adverse effects and help maintain good nutritional status in various disease conditions via its nutritional composition and beneficial effects on the intestines, and thus yield therapeutic results.