Comparing Postprandial Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates Following the Consumption of Mycoprotein, Pea Protein and a Mycoprotein/Pea Protein Blend in Resistance Trained Individuals

Dietary protein is vital for the preservation of health and optimal adaptation to training. Plant proteins are considered inferior to animal proteins with respect to their ability to stimulate an acute muscle building response and therefore support long-term muscle reconditioning. Pea protein is a highly commercially available plant proteins source (available as supplements, food ingredients etc.), yet there is no research investigating its ability to stimulate a muscle building response. The investigators aim to assess the effect of consuming pea protein on muscle protein synthesis rates and compare these results to mycoprotein, a source known to elicit a robust anabolic response.

Pea protein is lower in some of the essential amino acids, namely methionine, which could mean it is less effective compared with mycoprotein which has a more complete amino acid profile. So in addition to comparing pea with mycoprotein, the investigators also want to compare to a blend of pea and mycoprotein to see if replenishing the amino acid content in pea 'rescues' the anabolic response.