Pilot Trial: Bioavailability Animal vs. Plant Protein Drink

ETH Zurich

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Nutrition, Healthy; Leucine Sensitivity

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Consumption of protein - rich drink

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06465004

2024-00151

Details and patient eligibility

About

A pilot study is being conducted to compare a new plant-based protein drink to commercially available animal-based protein drinks. The goal is to assess if the plant-based drink delivers amino acids to the bloodstream as effectively as the animal-based drinks, potentially offering a viable option for those on plant-based diets.

The study will involve approximately 12 healthy adults aged 18-40. Each participant will try all three drinks (the new plant-based drink, a commercial animal-based drink, and another animal-based recipe) on separate days in a randomized order. Before and after (30, 60, and 90 minutes) consuming each drink, a small blood sample will be drawn to measure amino acid levels (leucine).

By comparing the results, the investigators hope to determine if the plant-based drink can match the effectiveness of animal-based protein drinks in delivering essential nutrients. This research could contribute to the development of sustainable and nutritious plant-based protein alternatives.

Enrollment: 12 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Gender: male and female
• Age: 18-40 years
• Signed written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Smoking history
• Cardiovascular diseases
• BMI > 35 kg/m2
• Caffeine consumption < 1 day before the study participation
• Allergies: Soy, Peas, Milk, Lactose, Fructose
• High intensity exercise <2 days before study participation

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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12 participants in 3 patient groups

Animal-based A

Active Comparator group

Description:

A commercially available high protein drink, based on animal proteins (Fresubin Protein Energy)

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Consumption of protein - rich drink

Animal-based B

Active Comparator group

Description:

A homemade drink containing animal-based proteins, using a specific animal-based protein isolate mix.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Consumption of protein - rich drink

Plant-based A

Active Comparator group

Description:

A homemade drink containing plant-based proteins, formulated to have the same macronutrient content as the animal-based drinks.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Consumption of protein - rich drink