Effect of casein and whey proteins on examination stress

Objective: In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects ofcasein and whey protein supplementation on examinationstress. We have investigated different parameters of oxidativestress and immune function.Materials and Methods: The participants were dividedinto three groups: control, casein and whey. Casein and wheygroups were supplemented with either casein or whey proteinfor 15 days. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning ofthe study (Day 0), on the examination day (Day 16) and fivedays after the examination (Day 21). Antioxidant capacity,glutathione, cortisol and cytokine levels (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-12)were measured.Results: An increase in antioxidant capacity and glutathionelevels of the participants using whey protein was observed.Whey protein supplementation did not affect cortisol levels, butparticipants taking whey protein showed an increase in serumTNF-a and IL-6 levels.Conclusion: It is suggested that the use of whey proteinstrengthens the response to oxidative stress by increasingantioxidant capacity and glutathione levels, while supportingthe immune system via cytokine release.