Plant-based Dietary Protein and Resistance-training Adaptations

University of Sao Paulo

Status: Completed

Conditions: Healthy

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: soy protein; Dietary Supplement: whey protein

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03907059

54014116.9.0000.5391

Details and patient eligibility

About

Dietary protein consumption maximizes the anabolic response during resistance training (RT) by triggering muscle protein synthesis and providing the indispensable amino acids for a net positive protein balance. Leucine is considered the key amino acid in this process, suggesting that differences in protein quality may influence RT-induced gains in muscle mass and strength. In general, plant-based protein sources have lower leucine concentrations than animal-based protein sources and human skeletal muscle. In this respect, despite acute evidence on lower anabolic properties of plant- vs. animal-based protein, the effects of an exclusive plant-based dietary protein diet on RT-induced adaptations are currently unknown.

Enrollment: 38 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy young men
• Vegans ≥ 1 y or omnivorous subjects
• Physically active but no resistance-trained subjects
• Without any chronic injury that impairs resistance training performance
• Protein intake > 0.8 g/protein/kg body weight

Exclusion criteria

• Use of creatine or beta-alanine supplements for the last 3 months
• Use of proteins and/or amino acids supplements for the last 1 month
• Engagement in specific dietary restrictions
• Previous use of anabolic steroids
• Engagement in any training program

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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38 participants in 2 patient groups

Omnivorous

Active Comparator group

Description:

Interventions: Daily protein intake was adjusted to 1.6g/kg/day via supplementation (whey) + 12 weeks of resistance training

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: whey protein

Vegan

Experimental group

Description:

Interventions: Daily protein intake was adjusted to 1.6g/kg/day via supplementation (soy) + 12 weeks of resistance training

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: soy protein