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Effects of a Marine Protein Hydrolysate in Healthy Adults

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy Diet
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Cod protein hydrolysate
Dietary Supplement: Placebo
Registration Number
NCT05149079
Lead Sponsor
University of Bergen
Brief Summary

This randomized, double blind, controlled trial investigates changes in the cardiovascular index (triacylglycerol/HDL-cholesterol × waist/hip ratio) after 12 weeks of marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) or whey protein powder (placebo) supplementation in adult healthy persons. Additionally, the study investigates potential effects on plasma parameters of metabolic health including lipids, glucose, inflammatory parameters and redox state, as well as associations between dietary MPH and body weight, abdominal obesity, body composition, and gut microbiota composition. Finally, putative end-products of diet-microbial interactions (TMAO and short-chain fatty acids) with CVD risk factors and biomarkers of mitochondrial function are examined.

Detailed Description

Marine protein sources, including fish and fish protein hydrolysates, may have particular health benefits. Health benefits from fish consumption have been attributed to the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Proteins from marine sources may contain valuable bioactive components, with amino acid composition and protein profiles that differ from terrestrial sources. Generally, the dietary source of protein can affect cellular energy metabolism, and hydrolyzed peptides can have potent and specific bioactive potential.

Rest raw materials (RRM) from cod (Fjordlaks AS, Norway) are used for the hydrolysis production (Food Grade). Freshly minced RRM were treated with enzymes optimized to generate bioactive hydrolysates using facilities and techniques approved for human consumption. The investigational products are given in a dose of 18 g protein per day, corresponding to the protein content of a standard meal, and similar to doses recommended in a range of protein supplements.

The study enrolls around 70 men and women age of 20-80 years with waist circumference of \< 102 cm for men and \< 88 cm for women. Prospective study participants were informed of the study and invited to participate through advertising primarily in social media (Facebook advertisement, geographically limited to 12 km surrounding the city centers of Bergen and Ålesund). Participants provided written informed consent, and were screened via self-reporting in an online form in EasyTrial hosted by the Research Unit for Clinical Trials at the University of Bergen. Data collection by the study staff at baseline verifies inclusion and exclusion criteria and participant eligibility prior to randomization. The potential participants are informed about practical details at a digital or physical meeting 1-2 weeks prior to baseline.

Groups of participants (40-60% males/females) are block randomized to the two treatments using randomly selected block sizes, and stratified according to sex.

The participants are given a container with the powder sufficient for the entire study period, and a spoon to measure the intake at breakfast (6 g), lunch (6 g) and supper (6 g), or morning (9 g) and evening (9 g) according to individual preference. The patients will mix the powder products in water or mineral water. Flavours have been masked by supplementation with beet powder, and mixing 0.5 g fish hydrolysate per serving in the placebo, to minimize differences in taste of the placebo and active product.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
67
Inclusion Criteria
  • Healthy female and male subjects at age 20-80 years old understanding Norwegian oral and written information
  • Waist circumference for males < 102 cm and females < 88 cm
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Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Having used high-dose omega-3 PUFA supplements (>2 g/day) less than 28 days prior to randomization
  • Use of corticosteroids that will influence protein metabolism
  • Antibiotic treatment previous 3 months
  • Alcohol or drug abuse or any conditions associated with poor compliance
  • Medical diagnosis of malabsorption disorders, Crohn's disease, or lactose intolerance
  • Scheduled hospitalization during the course of the study that could compromise the study
  • Diabetes type I or II, serious high blood pressure at screening, serious infections, diseases requiring medication that can influence the study
  • Known or suspected sensitivity or allergic reactions to the IMP or excipients
  • Presence of other major medical or psychiatric illness that would affect the ability to participate in the study or put the subject at increased risk
  • Intake of statins. If needed to obtain the recruitment goals, we will accept people using a low dose of statin
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Cod protein hydrolysate supplementCod protein hydrolysateParticipants will consume 18 g of the cod protein supplement each day for 12 weeks.
Placebo (whey protein supplement)PlaceboParticipants will consume 18 g of the placebo whey protein supplement each day for 12 weeks.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in the cardiovascular index (triacylglycerol/high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol × waist/hip ratio)Baseline to 12 weeks

Triacylclygerol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations will be measured in serum. Waist and hip circumference will be measured using anthropometric tape over light clothing. For waist circumference, the minimum circumference between the iliac crest and the rib cage will be used. For waist circumference the circumference at the level of the greatest protrusion of the buttocks is used.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in triacylglycerol (TAG)Baseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Changes in waist-hip ratioBaseline to 12 weeks

Waist and hip circumference will be measured using anthropometric tape over light clothing. For waist circumference, the minimum circumference between the iliac crest and the rib cage will be used. For waist circumference the circumference at the level of the greatest protrusion of the buttocks is used

Changes in blood pressureBaseline to 12 weeks

Blood pressure measurement will be performed manually by a trained nurse using standard equipment

Changes in fasting insulinBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Changes in non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Changes in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA)Baseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Changes in heart rateBaseline to 12 weeks

Heart rate will be determined manually by a trained nurse

Changes in the Quick1 index, a surrogate marker of insulin sensitivityBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum and calculated as 1 / (log(fasting insulin μU/mL) + log(fasting glucose mg/dL)

Changes in short chained fatty acids (SCFA)Baseline to 12 weeks

Faecal SCFA concentrations calculated as (mmol/L) × wet faecal weight x faecal moisture content (g/100 g) × 10

Changes in waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)Baseline to 12 weeks

Waist circumference will be measured using anthropometric tape over light clothing. Hight will be measured using a stadiometer. For waist circumference, the minimum circumference between the iliac crest and the rib cage will be used.

Changes in fasting insulin C-peptideBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Changes in total cholesterolBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Changes in gut microbiota compositionBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured by 16S sequencing

Changes in fat mass/fat free mass ratioBaseline to 12 weeks

Body composition measured by bioimpedance analysis

Changes in glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1, hormone involved in appetite and metabolism regulation)Baseline to 12 weeks

Measured in plasma by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

Changes in ghrelin (hormone involved in appetite regulation)Baseline to 12 weeks

Measured in plasma by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

Changes in gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP, hormone involved in metabolism regulation)Baseline to 12 weeks

Measured in plasma by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

Changes in fasting glucoseBaseline to 12 weeks

Measured in serum

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Research Unit for Health Trials

🇳🇴

Bergen, Norway

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