Degalactosylated whey protein increases α-Klotho concentrations in the plasma and kidney in mice.

With the acceleration of global population aging, maintaining healthy longevity in an aging society become an important concern. This study examined whether D-WP influences key factors of a healthy lifespan, such as α-Klotho, fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), in mice. Mice who received oral D-WP for 8 days exhibited significantly increased plasma α-Klotho concentrations. On the other hand, plasma concentrations of FGF-23 and SIRT1 were not changed by oral intake of D-WP. Moreover, kidney α-Klotho protein concentrations were also significantly increased by oral intake of D-WP for 8 days. Oral intake of intact whey protein did not induce the same effects as D-WP. These findings suggest that D-WP may have a potency to increase plasma Klotho levels.