Effects of dietary protein on post-prandial lipid metabolism in healthy humans

SummaryBackground & aimsProtein supplementation reduces intrahepatic lipids in high fat fed subjects, but the mechanisms are not known. We therefore assessed the effects of dietary proteins on post-prandial lipid metabolism in healthy humans.MethodsSeven healthy young males were studied on 3 occasions: after ingestion of a low (0.5 g/kg) or a high (1.5 g/kg) protein meal and a high protein meal administered after 4 days on a high (1.5 g/kg) protein diet. Net substrate oxidation, exogenous fat oxidation, glucose and glycerol kinetics, hormones and substrates concentration were monitored at baseline and over 6 h post-prandial.ResultsThe high protein meal decreased post-prandial NEFA, glycerol and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. After 4 days on a high protein diet post-prandial chylomicron-triglyceride concentrations were in addition increased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsProteins added to a meal do not increase post-prandial total or exogenous lipid oxidation. After 4 days on a high protein diet, proteins even enhanced post-prandial chylomicron-triglyceride concentrations, suggesting an impaired chylomicron clearance.