Effects of soy protein and casein in low cholesterol diets on plasma lipoproteins in normolipidemic subjects

Dietary plant proteins may lower plasma cholesterol and LDL concentrations in hypercholesterolemic patients when substituted for animal proteins, particularly in diets with low cholesterol and saturated fat content. Plant protein diets appear, however, to be without effect on plasma lipoprotein levels in normal subjects. In the present study, we have examined whether the origin of the dietary protein, i.e. plant (soy) or animal (casein), affects the plasma lipoproteins in normolipidemic subjects when these proteins are presented as components of diets low in cholesterol and saturated fat. The study followed a crossover design. Five men and 5 women consumed liquid formula diets containing 20% of calories as casein or soy protein, 28% as fat (mainly monounsaturated), and 52% as carbohydrate; the intake of cholesterol was less than 100 mg per day. The two dietary periods, each of 1 month duration, were separated by an interim period of 1 month on self-chosen food. Following an initial 30% reduction of cholesterol and LDL plasma levels on both diets, the concentrations of each of the major lipoprotein classes (VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL2 and HDL3) were similar during the two experimental dietary periods. Body weights were essentially constant. Dietary soy protein and casein could not be distinguished in their effects on the plasma concentrations and chemical composition of the major lipoprotein classes in normolipidemic subjects.