Health Effects of Sustainable Future Proteins
Condition: Intestinal Barrier Function; Protein Digestion Kinetics
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      In the current study the investigators aim to assess the nutritional quality and
      bio-functional activity of two alternative protein sources bovine plasma and corn and from
      the benchmark protein whey. The study is a double blind, randomised, cross-over, short-term
      trial in which 36 healthy study subjects will receive three protein interventions of 1 week
      with a washout period of 1 week between interventions. Study subjects will visit the research
      facility before and after the intervention period on two separate occasions to measure gut
      permeability via a multi-sugar test and to collect fasting blood samples and blood pressure
      outcomes. Faecal and saliva samples before and after each intervention will be collected. A
      subgroup of 12 study participants will also be subjected to a postprandial digestibility test
      on the first day of the interventions. The main study parameter is to assess the protein
      digestion kinetics and protection of the epithelial barrier. Secondary study parameters
      include other markers of gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, vascular health and
      satiating properties.
    

Detailed description: 
      In the current study the investigators aim to assess the nutritional quality and
      bio-functional activity of two alternative protein sources bovine plasma and corn and from
      the benchmark protein whey. The objective is to assess the degree of digestibility and
      protection of the epithelial barrier of two alternative protein concentrates from corn and
      bovine plasma and of the commonly consumed benchmark protein whey. These outcomes will also
      be used to evaluate how predictive the in vitro-measurements have been for the obtained in
      vivo-effects. Secondary objectives are to assess the impact on other markers of
      gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, vascular health and satiating properties. Study
      design: The study is a double blind, randomised, cross-over, short-term trial in which 36
      study subject will participate. Study subjects will receive three protein interventions of 1
      week with a washout period of 1 week between interventions. Study subjects will visit the
      research facility before and after the intervention period on two separate occasions to
      measure gut permeability via a multi-sugar/acetylsalicylic acid test and to collect fasting
      blood samples and blood pressure outcomes. Faecal and saliva samples before and after each
      intervention will be collected. All measurements will be conducted after an overnight fast
      and a standardised evening meal prior to the study days. A subgroup of 12 study participants
      will also be subjected to a postprandial digestibility test on the first day of the
      interventions.

      Study population: healthy study subjects, between 35-70y, BMI 18 - 30kg/m2, both males and
      females.

      Intervention (if applicable): Three intervention arms of one week; a bovine plasma protein
      intervention, a corn protein intervention and a whey protein comparator intervention. Study
      subjects will receive 40 grams of protein per day during the intervention in two 20 g doses.

      Main study parameters/endpoints: The main study parameter is to assess the protein digestion
      kinetics and protection of the epithelial barrier. Secondary study parameters include other
      markers of gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, vascular health and satiating
      properties.
    

Intervention name(s): Corn protein powder; Bovine plasma protein powder; Whey protein powder
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement; Dietary Supplement; Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): 40g/d ( 2 times 20 grams per day for a period of 1 week); 40g/d ( 2 times 20 grams per day for a period of 1 week); 40g/d ( 2 times 20 grams per day for a period of 1 week)
Other intervention name(s): sustainable protein source 1; sustainable protein source 2; control protein source
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Intervention model description: double blind, randomised, cross-over, short-term trial in which 36 study subject will participate. Study subjects will receive three protein interventions of 1 week with a washout period of 1 week between interventions. 12 subjects will also receive an acute postprandial digestibility test at the start of the intervention.
Masking: Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Basic Science