Child, R. B., Bullock, M., & Palmer, K. (2003). Physiological and biochemical effects of whey protein and ovalbumin supplementation in healthy males. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1497.

This study determined the physiological and biochemical effects of two different protein supplements in healthy males. Red blood cell fragility, together with knee extensor muscle strength, fatigue resistance and contractile parameters were assessed. Following baseline biochemical and functional measures, young healthy male subjects were assigned to two groups (each N=12). Each group received either hen ovalbumin or whey protein for 70 days. In the final week of supplementation, biochemical and functional measures were reassessed.

Neither supplement affected strength, or glutathione. Muscle fatigue resistance was significantly improved by whey but not ovalbumin supplementation. Ovalbumin and whey supplements reduced red cell fragility.

Implication. This study showed that ovalbumin and whey can produce biochemical changes and decrease red cell fragility. Reductions in oxidative damage, muscle fatigue and improvements in selenium status were exclusive to whey protein.

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