Whey protein, a byproduct of milk, contains beta-lactoglobulin (~65%), alpha-lactalbumin (~25%), and serum albumin (~8%) along with other essential and non essential amino acids. A number of protein nutritional supplements, currently available commercially have proved efficient by the clinical trials in different conditions. The commercially available protein hydrolysates are complex mixtures of peptides along with free amino acids. Protein hydrolysates have evolved as most promising nutrient supplements, used in clinical and elemental nutrition, weight loss and malnutrition in various clinical conditions. It enhances the availability of the plasma amino acids, and leads to greater muscle protein synthetic response. A protein hydrolysate is more easily digested and absorbed as compared to an intact protein. Protein hydrolysates are produced from a variety of protein sources by several processes such as by heating with acids or addition of external proteolytic enzymes, followed by protein purification protocols. Recent advances in the understanding of clinical nutrition in diseases have led to use of effective nutrient supplements based on proteins, carbohydrates, micronutrients and vitamins. Measurement of immunoglobulin levels and CD4/CD8 ratios is of immense value in assessing the immune status of children in relation to a variety of conditions of nutritional imbalance in diseases. The lymphocyte subpopulation CD4/CD8 ratios and levels of immunoglobulins are considered as diagnostic markers for various disease conditions. They are involved in activating and directing B lymphocyte cells. These subsets of lymphocytes play an important role in establishing and maximizing the capabilities of the immune system. T lymphocyte subsets, CD4 and CD8, are markers of viral infections particularly in the subjects with immunodeficiency. In view of this, immunoglobulins, the important components of humoral immunity, have been measured under a variety of clinical and diseased conditions in children from different parts of the world. Malnutrition in children can lead to altered immune competence making them susceptible to a broad spectrum of infectious diseases. Nutrition plays a key role directly as well as indirectly in various metabolic and immunological mechanisms.
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