Metabolic Response to Short-term Protein Supplementation in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (P08-070-19)

Abstract

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are commonly insulin resistant, hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic, increasing their risk for development of other metabolic, cardiovascular and reproductive disturbances. Dietary whey protein may attenuate postprandial glycemic excursions due to its effect on the gut-brain axis. The aim of the study is to evaluate 7-day whey protein supplementation on metabolic parameters in young women with PCOS. A repeated measures (RM) design was used. Three women with and six without PCOS (PCO and CON respectively) underwent three 150-min oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT): (i) OGTT without protein preload, (ii) OGTT on first and (iii) seventh day of protein preload. Participants consumed 35 g protein daily with protein intake 30 min before carbohydrate load on the test days. Blood samples collected at −30 (fasting/pre-preload), 0 (pre-glucose), 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min of OGTTs were analyzed for glucose, insulin, and incretins. (Participant recruitment, data collection and analyses in progress.) Mixed design RM - MANOVA indicates that day of test and time did not have a significant effect on glucose levels within and between groups (P ≥ .05). However, day (P = .027) and time (P = .047) had a significant impact on insulin concentrations in both, PCO and CON groups. Insulin was significantly higher at 30 min compared to −30 and 0 min timepoints (P = .016 and P = .032 respectively) on the first and seventh days of preload. An insulinogenic response elicited by 35 g protein preload may blunt glycemic responses, moderating them throughout the test period in women with PCOS and age-matched healthy controls. Timing of supplementation may play a vital role in achieving long term glucose homeostasis in PCOS. Texas Woman’s University Research Enhancement Program & Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.