Effects of Protein Quality on Post-exercise Skeletal Muscle and Whole-body Protein Kinetics During Energy Deficit

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Whole-body Protein Balance; Muscle Protein Synthesis
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Military Ration Entree; Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein; Dietary Supplement: Essential Amino Acid Enriched Whey Protein

• Registration Number: NCT04004715
• Lead Sponsor: United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

Brief Summary

The optimal EAA-containing protein format necessary to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis and optimize whole-body net protein balance during caloric deprivation has not been determined. This study will address that gap in knowledge by examining post, whole-body exercise muscle and whole-body protein kinetic responses to ingesting varying EAA-containing protein formats after a 5 day period of negative energy balance. This study will provide the initial evidence to support the development of a recovery-based food product for military combat rations.

Detailed Description

Ten resistance-trained adults will complete this \~55-d randomized, cross-over study. Participants will participate in three, non-consecutive 5-d controlled energy deficit periods, each separated by a 14-d washout period (i.e., sufficient time to restore nitrogen and metabolic homeostasis after moderate weight loss). Post-exercise (whole-body exercise model) muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and whole-body protein turnover responses to varying EAA-containing protein formats will be determined the morning after completing the 5-d energy deficit.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2019-04-25
• Study First Submitted: 2019-06-28
• Study First Submitted QC: 2019-06-28
• Study First Posted: 2019-07-02
• Primary Completion: 2019-12-13
• Study Completion: 2019-12-13
• Status Verified: 2020-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-03-10
• Last Update Posted: 2020-03-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

• Men and women aged 18 - 35 years
• Body mass index < 30.0 kg/m2
• Healthy without evidence of chronic illness or musculoskeletal injury as determined by the USARIEM Office of Medical Support and Oversight (OMSO) or home duty station medical support
• Resistance exercise trained defined by self-report as performing ≥ 2 sessions/wk for previous 6 mo
• Refrain from taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®), or any other aspirin-containing product for 10 days before starting and at least 5 days after completing the study
• Willing to refrain from alcohol, smoking any nicotine product (includes e-cigarettes); vaping, chewing tobacco, caffeine, and dietary supplement use throughout the entire study period
• Supervisor approval for federal civilian employees and non-HRV active duty military personnel working within the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center

Exclusion Criteria

• Musculoskeletal injuries that compromise exercise capability as determined by the USARIEM or home duty station Office of Medical Support and Oversight (OMSO)
• Metabolic or cardiovascular abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.)
• Abnormal PT/PTT test or problems with blood clotting
• History of complications with lidocaine
• Present condition of alcoholism, anabolic steroids, or other substance abuse issues
• Blood donation within 8-wk of beginning the study
• Pregnant, trying to become pregnant, and/or breastfeeding (results of urine pregnancy test or self-report for breastfeeding will be obtained before body composition testing)
• Unwillingness or inability to consume study diets or foods provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Military Ration Entree	Military Ration Entree	chili and beans entree; current meal component of the meals ready to eat rations
Whey Protein	Whey Protein	commercially available whey protein isolate
Essential Amino Acid Enriched Whey Protein	Essential Amino Acid Enriched Whey Protein	protein powder formulation that includes whey and free-form essential amino acids

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
How fast participants build skeletal muscle after ingesting varying forms of essential amino acid-containing proteins after exercise	~4.5 hour measure of muscle protein synthesis	Assessed using stable isotope infusions of phenylalanine.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
How well participants suppress the degradation of body proteins while stimulating the growth of new proteins after ingesting varying forms of essential amino acid-containing proteins after exercise.	~4.5 hour measure of whole-body protein balance	Assessed using stable isotope infusions of tyrosine.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine; 🇺🇸 Natick, Massachusetts, United States