Role of Whey Protein in the Treatment Outcome of Maxillofacial Trauma Patients: An Interventional Study.

Introduction: Maxillofacial fracture severely affects the diet of the patients leading to reduction of body weight. Facial trauma affects the muscles of mastication and the bones of face leading to reduction in bite force. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of whey protein supplement in the postoperative period of maxillofacial trauma patients with respect to body weight, bite force and callus formation.

Methodology: Patients were divided into control group and study group having 20 patients each. The control group received usual modified diet for maxillofacial fracture and study group received same diet along with whey protein for 6 weeks.

Results: There was mean weight loss of 3.15 kg in control group whereas there was no weight loss of in the study group. There was statistically significant increase in bite force in the study group compared to the control group with value < 0.05. Early callus formation was seen in study group compared to control group.

Conclusion: Our results showed that patients who were supplemented with whey protein had no loss of body weight, better masticatory efficiency, better healing of the fracture sites and overall early recovery.