Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (798 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
The liquid components of milk that remain after the casein, fat, and fat soluble components have been removed. It is also a byproduct of cheese production.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Milk
- Narrower topics
- Whey Proteins
Related concepts
- Casein
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 6,129 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Whey” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 2,610 of them (42.6%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 2,610 records.
Reviews account for 348 records (5.7%) and meta-analyses for 54. Randomized controlled trials number 695 (11.3%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 287 |
| 2000-2009 | 861 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,371 |
| 2020 onward | 2,610 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 348 | 5.7% |
| Meta-analyses | 54 | 0.9% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 695 | 11.3% |
Method: PubMed query "Whey"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Whey protein isolate supplementation improves body composition, muscle strength, and treatment tolerance in malnourished advanced cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- In recent years, whey proteins (WP) have attracted increasing attention in health and disease for their bioactive functions.
- Closing excerpt
- Further trials, aimed at verifying the efficacy of this nutritional intervention on mid- and long-term primary clinical endpoints in newly diagnosed specific cancer types, are warranted.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (280 words)
In recent years, whey proteins (WP) have attracted increasing attention in health and disease for their bioactive functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of WP isolate (WPI) supplementation in addition to nutritional counseling in malnourished advanced cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT). In a single-center, randomized, pragmatic, and parallel-group controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02065726), 166 malnourished advanced cancer patients with mixed tumor entities candidate to or undergoing CT were randomly assigned to receive nutritional counseling with (N = 82) or without (N = 84) WPI supplementation (20 g/d) for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change in phase angle (PhA). Secondary endpoints included changes in standardized PhA (SPA), fat-free mass index (FFMI), body weight, muscle strength, and CT toxicity (CTCAE 4.0 events). In patients with the primary endpoint assessed (modified intention-to-treat population), counseling plus WPI (N = 66) resulted in improved PhA compared to nutritional counseling alone (N = 69): mean difference, 0.48° (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.90) (P = .027). WPI supplementation also resulted in improved SPA (P = .021), FFMI (P = .041), body weight (P = .023), muscle strength (P < .001), and in a reduced risk of CT toxicity (risk difference, -9.8% [95% CI, -16.9 to -2.6]; P = .009), particularly of severe (grade ≥ 3) events (risk difference, -30.4% [95% CI, -44.4 to -16.5]; P = .001). In malnourished advanced cancer patients undergoing CT, receiving nutritional counseling, a 3-month supplementation with WPI resulted in improved body composition, muscle strength, body weight, and reduced CT toxicity. Further trials, aimed at verifying the efficacy of this nutritional intervention on mid- and long-term primary clinical endpoints in newly diagnosed specific cancer types, are warranted.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31568698 · DOI · PMC6853834
Effects of High Intensity Dynamic Resistance Exercise and Whey Protein Supplements on Osteosarcopenia in Older Men with Low Bone and Muscle Mass. Final Results of the Randomized Controlled FrOST Study [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high intensity dynamic resistance exercise (HIT-DRT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia parameters in osteosarcopenic men.
- Closing excerpt
- We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (207 words)
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high intensity dynamic resistance exercise (HIT-DRT) and whey protein supplementation (WPS) on bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia parameters in osteosarcopenic men. Men ≥ 72 years with osteosarcopenia (n = 43) were randomly assigned to a HIT-RT (HIT-RT: n = 21) or a non-training control group (n = 22). Supervised HIT-RT twice/week was applied for 18 months, while the control group maintained their habitual lifestyle. Supplying WPS, total protein intake amounted to 1.5-1.6 (HIT-RT) and 1.2 g/kg/body mass/d (control). Both groups were supplied with calcium and vitamin D. Primary study outcomes were BMD and the sarcopenia Z-score. After adjusting for multiplicity, we observed significant positive effects for sarcopenia Z-score (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.40), BMD at lumbar spine (SMD: 0.72) and total hip (SMD: 0.72). In detail, effect sizes for skeletal muscle mass changes were very pronounced (1.97, p p = 0.008; handgrip strength) or low (0.39, p = 0.209; gait velocity). Apart from one man who reported short periods of temporary worsening of existing joint pain, no HIT-RT/WPS-related adverse effects or injuries were reported. We consider HIT-RT supported by whey protein supplementation as a feasible, attractive, safe and highly effective option to fight osteosarcopenia in older men.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32764397 · DOI · PMC7468852
No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- There are conflicting reports regarding the efficacy of plant versus animal-derived protein to support muscle and strength development with resistance training.
- Closing excerpt
- These data indicate that increases in lean mass and strength in untrained participants are comparable when strength training and supplementing with soy or whey matched for leucine.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (166 words)
There are conflicting reports regarding the efficacy of plant versus animal-derived protein to support muscle and strength development with resistance training. The purpose of this study was to determine whether soy and whey protein supplements matched for leucine would comparably support strength increases and muscle growth following 12 weeks of resistance training. Sixty-one untrained young men (n = 19) and women (n = 42) (18-35 year) enrolled in this study, and 48 completed the trial (17 men, 31 women). All participants engaged in supervised resistance training 3×/week and consumed 19 grams of whey protein isolate or 26 grams of soy protein isolate, both containing 2 g (grams) of leucine. Multi-level modeling indicated that total body mass (0.68 kg; 95% CI: 0.08, 1.29 kg; p p p p p = 0.08). No differences between groups were observed (p > 0.05). These data indicate that increases in lean mass and strength in untrained participants are comparable when strength training and supplementing with soy or whey matched for leucine.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32486007 · DOI · PMC7312446
Construction of nanodelivery system based on the interaction mechanism between ultrasound-treated soybean whey protein and quercetin: structure, physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- In this study, soybean whey protein (SWP) nanodelivery system was constructed through ultrasound treatment and quercetin (Que) modification.
- Closing excerpt
- This study highlights the potential of ultrasound-modified SWP nanoparticles for effective nutrient delivery.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (145 words)
In this study, soybean whey protein (SWP) nanodelivery system was constructed through ultrasound treatment and quercetin (Que) modification. The effect of ultrasound power on the interaction mode between SWP and Que, and the formation and stability of SWP-Que nanodelivery system were investigated. Optimal ultrasound treatment (300-500 W) produced SWP-Que nanoparticles with smaller particle size, higher ζ-potential values, and more uniform dispersion. Fluorescence spectroscopy and FTIR analyses revealed that SWP primarily binds to Que through hydrophobic interactions. Ultrasound treatment induced the unfolding of the SWP structure, thereby increasing its binding affinity to Que. After 400 W sonication, the encapsulation efficiency can reach 95.63 ± 0.60 %. The SWP-Que nanoparticles protected Que from degradation under environmental stresses (heat, UV, and storage) and improved its bioaccessibility during digestion as the ultrasonic power of 400 W. This study highlights the potential of ultrasound-modified SWP nanoparticles for effective nutrient delivery.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 39671813 · DOI · PMC11700283
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Cheese whey: A potential resource to transform into bioprotein, functional/nutritional proteins and bioactive peptides [5]
- Research article Invited review: Whey proteins as antioxidants and promoters of cellular antioxidant pathways [6]
- Research article Nutrition and Inflammation in Older Individuals: Focus on Vitamin D, n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Whey Proteins [7]
- Research article No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance Exercise [8]
- Research article Designing Whey Protein-Polysaccharide Particles for Colloidal Stability [9]
- Research article The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on the Temporal Recovery of Muscle Function Following Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [10]
References
- Cereda E, Turri A, Klersy C, Cappello S, Ferrari A, Filippi AR, et al.. Whey protein isolate supplementation improves body composition, muscle strength, and treatment tolerance in malnourished advanced cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. . 2019. PMID 31568698 · DOI · PMC6853834
- Kemmler W, Kohl M, Jakob F, Engelke K, von Stengel S. Effects of High Intensity Dynamic Resistance Exercise and Whey Protein Supplements on Osteosarcopenia in Older Men with Low Bone and Muscle Mass. Final Results of the Randomized Controlled FrOST Study. . 2020. PMID 32764397 · DOI · PMC7468852
- Lynch HM, Buman MP, Dickinson JM, Ransdell LB, Johnston CS, Wharton CM. No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial. . 2020. PMID 32486007 · DOI · PMC7312446
- Cao X, Cao J, Xu T, Zheng L, Dai J, Zhang X, et al.. Construction of nanodelivery system based on the interaction mechanism between ultrasound-treated soybean whey protein and quercetin: structure, physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility. . 2025. PMID 39671813 · DOI · PMC11700283
- Yadav JS, Yan S, Pilli S, Kumar L, Tyagi RD, Surampalli RY. Cheese whey: A potential resource to transform into bioprotein, functional/nutritional proteins and bioactive peptides. Biotechnol Adv. 2015. PMID 26165970 · DOI
- Corrochano AR, Buckin V, Kelly PM, Giblin L. Invited review: Whey proteins as antioxidants and promoters of cellular antioxidant pathways. J Dairy Sci. 2018. PMID 29605324 · DOI
- Ticinesi A, Meschi T, Lauretani F, Felis G, Franchi F, Pedrolli C, et al.. Nutrition and Inflammation in Older Individuals: Focus on Vitamin D, n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Whey Proteins. Nutrients. 2016. PMID 27043616 · DOI · PMC4848655
- Messina M, Lynch H, Dickinson JM, Reed KE. No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance Exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2018. PMID 29722584 · DOI
- Wagoner T, Vardhanabhuti B, Foegeding EA. Designing Whey Protein-Polysaccharide Particles for Colloidal Stability. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2016. PMID 26934171 · DOI
- Davies RW, Carson BP, Jakeman PM. The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on the Temporal Recovery of Muscle Function Following Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2018. PMID 29462923 · DOI · PMC5852797
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.