Effect of whey protein consumption on IL-6 and TNF-α: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Due to inconsistent data about WP supplementation on inflammatory markers, present systematic review and meta-analysis was done to summarize its effect on TNF-α and IL-6. Our search was done in Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane up to June 2021. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to indicate the effect sizes. Conceivable sources of heterogeneity were detected by subgroup analysis. Overall, 11 eligible RCTs were included. The pooled results showed that WP supplementation had no significant effect on TNF-α and IL-6 status compare to those receiving carbohydrate and other types of proteins as placebo. Results from subgroup analysis based on health status, study duration, WP dosage and sex, expressed no favorable effect of WP on TNF-α and IL-6 levels. It can be concluded that whey supplementation had no favorable effects on inflammatory biomarkers including TNF- α and IL-6. •No favorable effect of whey supplementation on TNF- α level.•No remarkable effect of whey supplementation on IL-6 status.•No favorable effect of whey protein on TNF- α and IL-6 based on subgroup analysis.