Evidence supporting the use of: Albumen
For the health condition: Wasting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Albumen (egg white) has been used as a protein source for individuals suffering from “wasting” conditions, which include states of malnutrition, cachexia, or muscle loss due to chronic illness. The rationale for its use is primarily scientific: albumen is rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein and contains all essential amino acids. Clinical nutrition guidelines recognize the importance of adequate protein intake for the prevention and treatment of wasting, especially in patients with protein-energy malnutrition, severe illness, or after surgery.
While there is limited direct research specifically on albumen supplementation in wasting syndromes, egg whites are often recommended as part of high-protein diets for such patients due to their low fat and cholesterol content, and because they are readily absorbed. Studies have shown that increased dietary protein, including from egg whites, can help preserve lean body mass and support recovery in malnourished or catabolic patients. However, albumen is not superior to other high-quality protein sources, and its use is generally a matter of availability, digestibility, and tolerance.
In summary, the use of albumen in treating wasting is supported by nutritional science regarding protein needs in malnutrition, but direct clinical evidence specifically evaluating albumen for this purpose is modest, leading to a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Wasting
Acetyl L-carnitinealpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apricot
astragalus
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
L-leucine
Lentinula edodes mycelia
magnesium
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
vitamin B12
Whey protein
Zinc
animal Tissue
arginine creatine
Albumin
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
animal protein
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bone marrow
BCAA
Codonopsis
creatine
deer velvet
Eurycoma Longifolia
guanidinoacetic acid
glucose
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
Lentinan
Lysine alpha-ketoisocaproate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
Marine protein
Phosphocreatine