Introduction: Waist circumference (WC) is a measure of central obesity, which is an established indicator of the risk of chronic disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of WC and risk of metabolic abnormality at two frequently used measurement sites in Thailand namely, at the umbilicus level (WC-U) and midway between the lowest rib and iliac crest (WC-M). Methods: Healthy adults aged 35-60 years living in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand were recruited by convenience for the study (N=296). WC was measured at two locations (WC-U and WC-M). Socioeconomic, health-habits, and physical-activity data were collected. Six ml blood samples from each participant were taken for analysis of glucose, lipids and C-reactive protein concentrations. Association between WC-U and WC-M was determined statistically. Results: WC measurements taken at WC-U and WC-M correlated strongly with each other in men (r=0.978, p<0.001), and in women (r=0.873, p<0.001). Both WC-U and WC-M correlated significantly with BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in both men and women. Intraclass correlation analysis confirmed highly significant associations between these two WC-measurement sites in men (ICC=0.960, p<0.001) and women (ICC=0.808, p<0.001). Conclusion: The results confirmed that both WC-U and WC-M can be used to monitor health status in men and women; however, WC-U is a simpler procedure for community health-risk surveillance and for self-monitoring.

Introduction: The effects of prolonged consumption of whey protein on health are controversial. This study aimed to determine whether whey protein positively alters health parameters of overweight and obese adults. Methods: Randomised controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-eight participants, aged 30-50 years, were randomly allocated into four groups and supplemented with 50 g protein for eight weeks (group 1: plant-based protein (PBP), group 2: whey protein isolate (WPI) with cocoa powder, group 3: PBP with whey protein concentrate (WPC), and group 4: WPI with milk powder). Body composition and biochemical parameters (kidney and liver functions, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity) were evaluated at pre-intervention and 8 weeks after intervention. Results: At Week 8, group 3 had lower diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, visceral fat, and risk of insulin resistance (p<0.05 for all). Group 2 had decreased levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05 for all). A drop in triglyceride was seen in group 4 (p=0.026). Whey protein decreased alanine aminotransferase level (p=0.028), while PBP increased aspartate aminotransferase level (p=0.034). PBP or WPI with milk powder increased blood urea nitrogen level (p>0.05 for all). Interleukin-6 and lactoferrin levels fell in all groups (p<0.05), while hs-CRP increased in the PBP group (p=0.043). Group 2 experienced increased antioxidant capacity. However, levels of oxidative stress markers were significantly decreased in the PBP group and WPI with milk powder group. Conclusion: Whey protein revealed positive effects on anthropometric parameters and biochemical markers of overweight and obese adults. Therefore, proper supplementation of whey protein can potentially promote health.

Introduction: People with lactose intolerance are suggested to consume dietary items containing less lactose, such as goat’s milk. This study aimed to investigate the effects of goat’s milk powder on the health of lactose intolerant middle-aged adults. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were recruited into this randomised controlled trial. They were divided into four groups and received different dietary interventions (goat’s milk, goat’s milk with curcumin, goat’s milk with coffee, lactose-free milk) for five weeks. Health effects were compared between pre- and post-intervention. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and lactoferrin) were evaluated. Dietary intake was recorded using a food record. Results: Fifty-one lactose intolerant subjects completed the study. After ingestion of goat’s milk, there were significant reductions in body fat (p=0.033) and a significant increase in the percentage of muscle (p=0.021). Waist circumference (WC) decreased in both the goat’s milk with curcumin and goat’s milk with coffee groups (p<0.05 for all). Unfortunately, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dropped after the five-week intervention in the goat’s milk group (p=0.002). Lactoferrin level of the goat’s milk group was higher than other groups at post-intervention (p<0.001). Besides, the goat’s milk with coffee group seemed to consume more carbohydrates after completing the intervention (p=0.034). Conclusion: A five-week intake of goat’s milk reduced the risk of abdominal obesity among middle-aged adults. In addition, it resulted in improved lactoferrin levels.