Microalgae as an Alternative Protein Source in Human Nutrition. (MAPS)

University of Exeter

Status: Completed

Conditions: Nutrition, Healthy

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Protein shake

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05401591

21-07-14-A-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

Protein is an essential part of the human diet. But with a growing global population and climate emergency, current sources of dietary protein are unable to continue to sustainably meet the global demand. To ensure future food security, new sustainable protein sources are required. Microalgae - a group of plant-like single cells - are thought to be a good option due to their sustainable farming methods and naturally high protein content. Long term health benefits of eating microalgae have been seen in humans. However, the time directly following microalgae ingestion has not been well studied but is an important period when considering a protein source. This research will compare the period after ingestion of three preparations and/or types of microalgae to a traditional source of protein.

Enrollment: 15 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• BMI 18.5 -30 kg/m2
• age 18 - 40 years
• healthy
• non-smoker

Exclusion criteria

• BMI <18.5 or >30 kg/m2
• smoker
• metabolic disease
• relevant food intolerance
• using medications known to affect metabolism

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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15 participants in 4 patient groups

Milk protein

Active Comparator group

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein shake

Whole cell chlorella

Experimental group

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein shake

Cracked cell chlorella

Experimental group

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein shake

Spirulina

Experimental group

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein shake