"whey protein" or dairy; research

IGF-1

Apart from regulating somatic growth and metabolic processes, accumulating evidence suggests that the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis is involved in the regulation of brain growth, development, and myelination. In addition, both GH and IGF-I affect cognition and biochemistry in the adult brain. Some of the effects of GH are attributable to circulating IGF-I, while others may be due to IGF-I produced locally within the brain.

reference

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is central to the somatotropic (growth hormone) axis. It promotes tissue growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adulthood. Accumulating evidence from the last decade, however, reveals that circulating levels of IGF-I also significantly affects cognitive brain function

reference

I found the hypothesis within this article to be a bit fascinating.

Milk evolved under continuous Darwinian selection pressure to nourish mammalian neonates. Evolutionary pressure appears to have led to the elaboration of a complex food...

milk products stimulate insulin secretion

milk protein, with respect to healthy AND type-2 diabetes persons, generates an insulin response.

Milk protein, in particular the whey fraction, has been shown to display insulinotrophic properties

whey causes IGF-1 response in boys over 7 days

another kids' study on IGF-1 and dairy products.

Kids' study III shows that 53g of milk protein was enough to double s-insulin and cause an increase in insulin resistance, while refuting the hypothesis that BCAAs per se stimulate insulin secretion and resistance

This study on men shows positive correlation of milk and IGF-1.

Intake of dairy food (especially low-fat milk) was also positively and moderately associated with plasma levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 among control men.

cognitive

This shows whey can improve cognitive performance under conditions of stress.

Assuming whey protein elevates IGF-1 levels as shown in the preceding studies,
"serum IGF-I is an important mediator of neuronal growth, survival and function throughout the lifespan"

immunity, anticancer, antigenic properties

This PDF, though many mice studies are referenced, strongly supports that whey protein concentrate (WPC) exhibits anticarcinogenic and immunoprotective health benefits.