Nutritional Support for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Effects of Whey Protein-enriched Nutritional Supplement on Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Status, in Patients Attending a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

In this randomized trial the primary outcome is to assess if high doses of whey protein supplement may lower pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6).

Hypothesis: Secondary outcomes are to assess if high doses of whey protein supplement may lower pro-inflammatory interleukin 1β (IL-1 β), tumor necrosis factor and C Reactive Protein (CRP); may increase anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (IL-10) plasma concentrations and may change Gut Microbiota (GM) composition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Admission for cardiac rehabilitation
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient unable to eat orally
• Eating disorders
• Indication to Levodopa therapy
• Gastrointestinal malignant diseases
• Known kidney failure
• Known liver failure
• Previous antibiotic therapy
• Refusal