Cholesterol-lowering Effects of Lupin Protein

The objective of the study is to determine the efficacy of lupin protein drinks (Lupinus angustifolius Boregine) in humans. Parameters concerning cardiovascular risk factors and the metabolism of proteins, lipids and cholesterol will be evaluated.

Based on the preliminary finding that a daily dosage of 35 g lupin protein is capable to affect plasma lipids positively, the physiological effects of two different daily lupin protein dosages will be investigated in two separate study groups (group A: 25 g protein/day; group B: 40 g protein/day). Both study groups undergo double-blinded and controlled study conditions in a cross-over design. In each of the two study groups 35 volunteers with hypercholesterolemia will be allocated to one of two randomization groups: After a 1-week run-in period (baseline), half of the 35 participants of each study group will consume drinks with lupin protein in the respective amount (25 g or 40 g protein/day) over a period of eight weeks, the other half will receive the analogue amount of milk protein as well incorporated in a drink serving as control. After a wash-out period of four weeks, the protein source will be crossed within the two study groups for a second intervention period of eight weeks.

Dietary protein, Lupin protein, Cholesterol metabolism, Protein metabolism, Hypercholesterolemia, Protein-enriched drinks

Reference Protein (75% sodium caseinate (EM7; DMV international) and 25% milk protein (Megglosat HP; Meggle), incorporated in a drink)

The subjects will consume 500 mL of a protein drink containing 25 g protein (lupin protein or reference protein) per day over eight weeks each. After a one-week run-in period, each volunteer has to pass both protein-periods in different order with a four-week wash out period in between.

The subjects will consume 500 mL of a protein drink containing 40 g protein (lupin protein or reference protein) per day over eight weeks each. After a one-week run-in period, each volunteer has to pass both protein-periods in different order with a four-week wash out period in between.

Plasma: amino acids, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid; Urine: total protein, ammonia, urea, uric acid; Proteomic-study

Inclusion Criteria: Moderate hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol >5,2 mmol/L) Age: 18-80 years old Exclusion Criteria: Intake of lipid-lowering pharmaceuticals Allergy against legumes or milk protein Intolerance against milk Pregnancy, lactation Chronic bowel disease

Bahr M, Fechner A, Kramer J, Kiehntopf M, Jahreis G. Lupin protein positively affects plasma LDL cholesterol and LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio in hypercholesterolemic adults after four weeks of supplementation: a randomized, controlled crossover study. Nutr J. 2013 Aug 1;12:107. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-107.