• Milk Protein Concentrate Supplementation Improves Anthropometric Parameters, Insulin Sensitivity, and Adipocytokine Balance in Obese Women on a Calorie-Restricted Diet: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Mahsa Elahikhah,1,*
    1. Department of Nutrition, School of Paramedical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran


  • Introduction: Obesity is closely linked to insulin resistance and dysregulated adipocytokines such as leptin and adiponectin, which play pivotal roles in metabolic and endocrine health. Dietary protein quality may influence these markers by modulating satiety hormones and glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of milk protein concentrate (MPC) supplementation on glycemic indices and adipocytokine profile in women with obesity following a hypocaloric diet.
  • Methods: This is an open-labeled, parallel-group, randomized trial. Forty-five healthy obese women were divided into two groups: a control group(n=22) and an intervention group(n=22). Then the participants in the intervention group were supplemented with 30 grams of the MPC for 8 weeks. Both groups were on a calorie-restricted dietary plan with 800 Kcal below their needs. dietary intake, body composition, fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, and adiponectin were measured before and after the intervention.
  • Results: Compared with the control group, participants who received MPC showed significant improvements in fasting blood sugar (p = 0.001), insulin (p = 0.027), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.020). Serum leptin levels decreased significantly (p = 0.014), while adiponectin concentrations increased (p = 0.032). These changes occurred without significant alterations in fat-free mass, suggesting a specific metabolic modulation independent of lean body mass changes. Other factors including total cholesterol, and triglyceride did not change significantly (P > 0.05).
  • Conclusion: Daily intake of 30 grams of MPC for 8 weeks could significantly enhance insulin sensitivity and improves leptin–adiponectin balance in obese women under energy restriction. These findings highlight the potential role of high-quality dairy proteins as adjunct nutritional strategies in the management of obesity and related endocrine disorders.
  • Keywords: Obesity, Insulin resistance, Leptin, Adiponectin, Milk protein concentrate, Glycemic control