The Bioavailability of Multiple Novel, Sustainable, Non-animal Derived Protein Sources (NOVA)

University of Exeter

Status: Completed

Conditions: Healthy Aging

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04297137

191023/A/09

Details and patient eligibility

About

The progressive age-related loss of muscle mass is termed sarcopenia. Consequences of sarcopenia are, but not limited to, decreased muscle strength, frailty, and an increased risk for the development of chronic metabolic diseases. Impaired postprandial protein digestion and amino acid absorption with advancing age has been suggested to be a key mechanism underlying sarcopenia. To overcome age-related skeletal muscle atrophy, sufficient dietary protein intake is required. However, the production of animal-based protein sources, such as milk, is associated with a number of economic, environmental, and ethical issues. Accordingly, there is a need to develop sustainable dietary protein sources to support our nutrition. Mycoprotein, spirulina, chlorella, pea, and lupin are novel, sustainable, non-animal derived protein sources that may represent potential alternative protein sources. However, the efficacy of these sources to stimulate muscle mass growth in both young and older adults is unknown.

Therefore, the present study will investigate the postprandial bioavailability of mycoprotein, spirulina, chlorella, pea, and lupin protein when compared to the animal-derived milk protein. Moreover, postprandial protein handling of these novel protein sources across different ages will be assessed. Briefly, 12 healthy young, and older adults will visit the University for 6 separate test days, with each day lasting 6 hours. Participants will consume the one of the 6 protein drinks on each test day. Repeated blood sampling will be used to assess protein digestion and subsequent systemic amino acid appearance.

Enrollment: 22 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females aged 18-35 or 55 - 80 years old.
• Body mass index between 18.5 - 30.

Exclusion criteria

• Any diagnosed metabolic impairment (e.g. type 1 or 2 Diabetes).
• Any diagnosed cardiovascular disease or hypertension.
• Elevated blood pressure (>150/90 mmHg) at the time of screening.
• Known pre-existing liver disease/condition.
• Any medication known to affect protein and/or amino acid metabolism.
• Allergy to mycoprotein/Quorn/edible fungi, edible algae, lupin/legumes, or milk.
• Smoking.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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22 participants in 6 patient groups

Mycoprotein

Experimental group

Description:

Ingestion of 30 g mycoprotein drink

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Spirulina

Experimental group

Description:

Ingestion of 30 g spirulina protein drink

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Chlorella

Experimental group

Description:

Ingestion of 30 g chlorella protein drink

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Pea

Experimental group

Description:

Ingestion of 30 g pea protein drink

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Lupin

Experimental group

Description:

Ingestion of 30 g lupin protein drink

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Milk

Active Comparator group

Description:

Ingestion of 30 g milk protein

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion