Effect of Supplementary Dietary Protein (21g Per Day) on Lean Mass and Strength in Sedentary, Adult Vegetarians
Condition: Muscle Weakness
MeSH terms: Muscle Weakness
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      It is possible that the lower protein intake in vegetarians and vegans may relate to a
      decrease in grip strength. Furthermore, there is limited research examining the effects of
      plant-based protein intake on strength and LBM independent of an exercise training component.
      The present study was designed to examine relationships between strength, protein intake, and
      LBM in underactive vegetarian and vegan adults, as well as the impact of protein
      supplementation (18 g mung bean protein daily) on these indices.
    

Detailed description: 
      The American Dietetic Association states that based off of evidence, it is possible for a
      vegetarian to obtain the recommended amount of nutrients with a properly planned diet. By
      mixing various sources of plant proteins throughout the day, a person can obtain all the
      amino acids needed for growth and tissue maintenance and repair. Yet, many vegetarians
      struggle to eat a substantial diet, especially when it comes to protein. This is because
      plant protein has protein bioavailability that is 10-30% lower than animal protein. As a
      result, current research suggests that there needs to be a separate protein dietary reference
      intake (DRI) for vegetarians and it needs to be larger than the protein DRI for omnivores.
      Whenever considering protein bioavailability, the quality must be assessed by analyzing the
      digestibility, chemical integrity, and freedom from interference in metabolism of the amino
      acid. This is a major concern because inadequate protein intake can affect bone health and
      alter muscle mass. Importantly, research has shown as a result of inadequate protein intake,
      vegetarians tend to have less lean body mass and less muscle strength than omnivores.
      Currently, all research available on this topic included strength training as a variable for
      increasing lean muscle mass, and no research has been reported that analyzed the impact of
      increased dietary protein on lean body mass without a training component. This parallel arm
      study will examine the effect of supplemental plant protein on strength and lean body mass in
      adult, non-athletic vegetarians in the Phoenix area.
    

Intervention name(s): mung bean protein; control biscuit
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement; Other
Intervention description(s): Participants were instructed to consume the test foods in the morning hours and to keep a record of the days the foods were consumed on a study calendar which was returned to investigators at the final visit and used to track protocol adherence.; Participants were instructed to consume the test foods in the morning hours and to keep a record of the days the foods were consumed on a study calendar which was returned to investigators at the final visit and used to track protocol adherence.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Qualifying participants will be stratified and randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms: mung bean protein or control biscuit. Participants will meet with study investigators on two occasions separated by 8 weeks for assessments.
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Other
Keywords: vegetarian; vegan; plant-based; protein; strength