Gastroscopy is a medical test that helps doctors look inside your stomach using a tiny camera. Researchers have been trying to find ways to make this experience more comfortable for patients. One interesting clinical trial has looked at whether drinking whey protein could be better than drinking plain water before a gastroscopy.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol was first introduced in the 1990s and aimed to modify physiological and psychological responses to hasten postoperative recovery. Carbohydrate loading pre-surgery is one of the ERAS measures to improve patient outcomes, by shifting the fasting state into a fed state to reduce insulin resistance. However, its beneficial effects on gastroscopy patients have not yet been determined.
Whey protein is a type of protein found in milk. It's often used by athletes to help build muscles. In this clinical trial, scientists wanted to see if drinking a carbohydrate-rich whey protein beverage could also help people get ready for a gastroscopy. This drink is rich in carbohydrates, which are our body's main source of energy.
Clinical Trial
To find out if the whey protein beverage was better than water, the researchers conducted a clinical trial involving 78 participants undergoing gastroscopy. These patients were divided into two groups. One group drank the whey protein beverage, while the other group drank plain water before their gastroscopy.Gastric contents were aspirated into a suction reservoir bottle to determine the gastric residual volume (GRV). Visual analog scale (VAS) of well-being (anxiety, hunger, thirst, tiredness, and weakness) was compared before and after the intervention.