Effects of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ingestion on Serum Uric Acid Levels in Adult Men: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Parallel‐Group, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with several diseases. Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH: product name, MWPH) contains multiple bioactive peptides and exhibits xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in vitro. This randomized, parallel group, placebo-controlled study evaluates WPH supplementation on SUA levels in adult men with fasting SUA levels of 6.0-7.9 mg/dL. Participants consumed 5.0 g of WPH or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint, SUA, was significantly reduced in the WPH group compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Furthermore, WPH also contains peptides that inhibit fat accumulation in cells in vitro, and in this study, BMI was significantly reduced in the WPH group compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks (<i>p</i> = 0.002). In a healthy subgroup of participants not receiving drug therapy, WPH also improved serum creatinine (<i>p</i> = 0.009) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (<i>p</i> = 0.010), indicating potential renal benefits. No serious adverse events or side effects were observed throughout the trial. The findings indicate that WPH supplementation can effectively lower SUA levels and improve renal function, offering a promising dietary intervention to manage hyperuricemia and associated metabolic conditions.