Whey protein vs. BCAAs: Which is better for improving outcomes in adults with liver cirrhosis? Original paper

In this randomized controlled trial in 32 adults with compensated liver cirrhosis, a late-evening whey protein snack improved serum albumin, liver enzymes, and handgrip strength, similar to a snack containing both whey protein and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

This Study Summary was published on April 22, 2025.

The study

The participants consumed 1 of 2 late-evening snacks every day for 3 weeks: either whey protein (8 grams) alone or a 1:1 mixture of whey protein (4 grams) and BCAAs (2 grams of leucine, 1 gram of isoleucine, 1 gram of valine). Each snack contained 270 to 300 cal, 50 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein.

Whey protein improved serum albumin (from 42.6 to 44.4 g/L), handgrip strength (from 24.3 to 25.7 kg), and ALT (from 27.7 to 27.2 U/L), but there were no changes in the whey protein plus BCAAs group. However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant.

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The results

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    This Study Summary was published on April 22, 2025.