The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response of Algal and Fungal Protein

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Muscle Metabolism
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

• Registration Number: NCT05016557
• Lead Sponsor: University of Exeter

Brief Summary

Dietary protein intake is vital for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and health. The production of animal-based proteins sources is associated with growing environmental and ethical challenges. As such, sustainable alternatives are needed. Algae are sustainably produced high-protein sources and it is predicted that algae will become one of the most consumed proteins in the next decades. However, the effects of algae on the stimulation of muscle mass growth are unknown. Therefore, we aim to assess the rate of digestion and absorption, and the effects on muscle growth of two types of algae (spirulina and chlorella) when compared to a sustainable non-animal derived fungal reference protein (mycoprotein), a source known to elicit a robust anabolic response.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2020-12-19
• Study First Submitted: 2021-08-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-08-17
• Study First Posted: 2021-08-23
• Primary Completion: 2022-06-24
• Study Completion: 2022-06-24
• Status Verified: 2024-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-01-10
• Last Update Posted: 2024-01-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 36

Inclusion Criteria

• BMI between 18.5 and 30
• Recreationally active (<3 times per week structured resistance exercise training)

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Exclusion Criteria

• Any metabolic impairment
• Any cardiovascular impairment
• High blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg)
• A personal history of epilepsy, seizures or schizophrenia
• Smoking
• Chronic (>1 month) use of over the counter pharmaceuticals
• Chronic (>2 months) use of amino acid or protein supplements
• Allergic to Quorn/mycoprotein or algae products

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Spirulina	Protein ingestion	Bolus ingestion of spirulina providing 25g protein
Chlorella	Protein ingestion	Bolus ingestion of chlorella providing 25g protein
Mycoprotein	Protein ingestion	Bolus ingestion of mycoprotein providing 25g protein

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Muscle Protein Synthesis	7.5 hours	The rate of synthesis of new muscle protein (Fractional Synthetic Rate %/h)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Plasma Amino Acid Kinetics	7.5 hours	The rate of appearance of amino acid ingested in the drink
Blood Glucose	7.5 hours	Basal and postprandial concentrations of blood glucose
Serum Insulin	7.5 hours	Basal and postprandial concentrations of serum insulin
mTOR phosphorylation	7.5 hours	The amount of mTOR that has been activated in the muscle cell

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Exeter; 🇬🇧 Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom