Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 01, 2026 51 minutes ago
Medical News: Milk-Derived Proteins Show Surprising Immune and Antiviral Benefits
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that proteins naturally found in whey, the liquid portion of milk left behind during cheese production, may play a much larger role in human health than previously believed. A new review has found that specific whey proteins and their bioactive peptides could help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and even provide protection against a wide range of viral and bacterial infections. The research was conducted by Jean-François Lesgards, an independent researcher based in Marseille, France.
New research suggests whey proteins may strengthen immunity, support gut health, and help protect against viral and
bacterial infections
More Than Just a Sports Supplement
Whey protein is best known as a nutritional supplement used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, scientists are increasingly discovering that whey contains several biologically active compounds capable of influencing immune function.
Among the most important components identified are lactoferrin, glycomacropeptide (GMP), beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and smaller peptides derived from these proteins. These compounds appear to work through multiple pathways that support both the body's immediate immune defenses and its long-term adaptive immune responses.
The review highlights how whey proteins can boost the production of glutathione, one of the body's most important natural antioxidants. Glutathione helps immune cells function efficiently and protects them from damage caused by oxidative stress. By supplying sulfur-containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, whey proteins provide the raw materials needed for glutathione production.
Strengthening the Body’s Natural Defenses
One of the most striking findings involves the effect of whey proteins on natural killer (NK) cells, a type of immune cell that serves as one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and abnormal cells.
Clinical studies reviewed by the researcher found that supplementation with non-heated whey proteins increased glutathione levels and enhanced NK cell activity. Other trials showed that fermented whey protein products boosted NK cell function and increased levels of immune-signaling molecules such as interleukin-12.
Whey proteins also appear to support adaptive immunity. Studies in animals demonstrated enhanced helper T-cell activity, improved antibody production, and stronger responses to infections and immune challenges.
Lactoferrin, in particular, was shown to stimulate both T-cell and B-cell activity, helping the body produce stronger immune responses and greater antibody production.
Potential Protection Against Viruses
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing aspect of the review concerns whey proteins' antiviral properties.
Researchers found evidence that lactoferrin and other whey-derived compounds may int
erfere with the ability of viruses to attach to and enter human cells. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated activity against numerous viruses including influenza, hepatitis B and C, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus, HIV, and coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2.
Lactoferrin appears especially promising because it can bind directly to viral structures while also blocking cellular docking sites used by viruses to initiate infection.
This
Medical News report notes that some studies involving COVID-19 patients found that lactoferrin supplementation was associated with faster viral clearance and quicker symptom improvement. While these results are encouraging, researchers stress that larger and better-controlled clinical trials are still needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Gut Health Plays a Key Role
The review also emphasizes the important connection between gut health and immunity.
Approximately 70 percent of the body's immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract. Whey proteins appear capable of improving the balance of beneficial gut bacteria while strengthening the intestinal barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
Studies found that whey protein supplementation increased beneficial bacterial groups such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing potentially harmful microorganisms. Glycomacropeptide was particularly effective at supporting healthy microbiota and increasing protective IgA antibodies at mucosal surfaces.
Researchers believe these gut-related benefits may contribute significantly to whey's immune-supporting effects.
Fighting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are increasingly recognized as major contributors to many diseases. The review found substantial evidence that whey proteins can help regulate both processes.
By increasing glutathione levels and supporting antioxidant defenses, whey proteins may reduce damaging inflammation while improving the function of immune cells. Studies also showed reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, and C-reactive protein following whey supplementation.
These effects may be particularly valuable for older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those at higher risk of severe infections.
Conclusions
The review presents compelling evidence that whey proteins are far more than simple nutritional supplements. Through a combination of immune-enhancing, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut-supportive mechanisms, whey-derived proteins appear capable of helping the body resist infections and maintain overall immune balance. While much of the current evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, human clinical trials have also produced encouraging results. Researchers caution that more large-scale studies are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits, identify optimal dosages, and better understand the molecular mechanisms involved. Nevertheless, whey proteins and their bioactive components are emerging as promising natural tools that could complement conventional approaches to infection prevention and immune health.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/11/1770
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/diets-and-nutrition
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/supplements
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
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