China Dairy ›› 2026, Vol. 0 ›› Issue (5): 135-142.doi: 10.12377/1671-4393.26.05.19

• DAIRY INDUSTRY • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Applications and Trends of Whey Protein in Sports Nutrition

HAN Xiaodong1, LYU Jiajin1, XING Yifeng2,3, WANG Pengjie4, YANG Xujin2,3,*   

  1. 1. College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Hohhot Inner Mongolia 010018;
    2. College of Food Science and Engineering,Inner Mongolia Agricultural University,Hohhot Inner Mongolia 010018;
    3. Yang Xujin Innovation Studio, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University,Hohhot Inner Mongolia 010018;
    4. Department of Nutrition and Health,China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193
  • Online:2026-05-25 Published:2026-06-18

Abstract: Whey protein, characterized by a high branched-chain amino acid content, rapid gastrointestinal absorption, and multiple bioactive components, represents one of the most extensively studied protein sources in sports nutrition. This review systematically examined the molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and emerging research directions of whey protein in the context of sports nutrition. At the mechanistic level, whey protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis primarily through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway, attenuates central fatigue via modulation of the tryptophan-serotonin axis, and reinforces post-exercise immune function through the concerted actions of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin. Clinically, accumulating evidence supports its efficacy in promoting resistance training-induced hypertrophy, accelerating endurance recovery, facilitating body composition management, and sustaining immune homeostasis during intensive training. Recent advances include co-formulation with collagen to simultaneously target myofibrillar and connective tissue protein synthesis, nano-encapsulation for enhanced bioavailability, and genotype-informed supplementation strategies based on polymorphisms such as ACTN3. Concurrently, membrane filtration and precision fermentation technologies are expanding the sustainable production of functional whey proteins. As multi-omics profiling and artificial intelligence converge with nutritional science, individualized whey protein protocols calibrated to genotype, metabolic phenotype, and training load are becoming increasingly feasible.

Key words: whey protein, sports nutrition, mTOR signaling pathway, branched-chain amino acid, personalized nutrition

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