Effects of Protein Quality on Post-exercise Skeletal Muscle and Whole-body Protein Kinetics During Energy Deficit

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The optimal EAA-containing protein format necessary to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis and optimize whole-body net protein balance during caloric deprivation has not been determined. This study will address that gap in knowledge by examining post, whole-body exercise muscle and whole-body protein kinetic responses to ingesting varying EAA-containing protein formats after a 5 day period of negative energy balance. This study will provide the initial evidence to support the development of a recovery-based food product for military combat rations.

Detailed Description
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Ten resistance-trained adults will complete this  55-d randomized, cross-over study. Participants will participate in three, non-consecutive 5-d controlled energy deficit periods, each separated by a 14-d washout period (i.e., sufficient time to restore nitrogen and metabolic homeostasis after moderate weight loss). Post-exercise (whole-body exercise model) muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and whole-body protein turnover responses to varying EAA-containing protein formats will be determined the morning after completing the 5-d energy deficit.

Official Title
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Effects of Protein Quality on Post-exercise Skeletal Muscle and Whole-body Protein Kinetics During Negative Energy Balance

Conditions
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Whole-body Protein Balance, Muscle Protein Synthesis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Essential Amino Acid Enriched Whey Protein
* Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein
* Dietary Supplement: Military Ration Entree


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men and women aged 18 - 35 years Body mass index < 30.0 kg/m2 Healthy without evidence of chronic illness or musculoskeletal injury as determined by the USARIEM Office of Medical Support and Oversight (OMSO) or home duty station medical support Resistance exercise trained defined by self-report as performing ≥ 2 sessions/wk for previous 6 mo Refrain from taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®), or any other aspirin-containing product for 10 days before starting and at least 5 days after completing the study Willing to refrain from alcohol, smoking any nicotine product (includes e-cigarettes); vaping, chewing tobacco, caffeine, and dietary supplement use throughout the entire study period Supervisor approval for federal civilian employees and non-HRV active duty military personnel working within the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center Exclusion Criteria: Musculoskeletal injuries that compromise exercise capability as determined by the USARIEM or home duty station Office of Medical Support and Oversight (OMSO) Metabolic or cardiovascular abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) Abnormal PT/PTT test or problems with blood clotting History of complications with lidocaine Present condition of alcoholism, anabolic steroids, or other substance abuse issues Blood donation within 8-wk of beginning the study Pregnant, trying to become pregnant, and/or breastfeeding (results of urine pregnancy test or self-report for breastfeeding will be obtained before body composition testing) Unwillingness or inability to consume study diets or foods provided

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Randomized, partially-blind, cross-over controlled trial
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Essential Amino Acid Enriched Whey Protein<br>protein powder formulation that includes whey and free-form essential amino acids | Dietary Supplement: Essential Amino Acid Enriched Whey Protein<br>* protein powder formulation that includes whey and free-form essential amino acids<br>|
| Active Comparator: Whey Protein<br>commercially available whey protein isolate | Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein<br>* commercially available whey protein isolate<br>|
| Active Comparator: Military Ration Entree<br>chili and beans entree; current meal component of the meals ready to eat rations | Dietary Supplement: Military Ration Entree<br>* chili and beans entree; current meal component of the meals ready to eat rations<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| How fast participants build skeletal muscle after ingesting varying forms of essential amino acid-containing proteins after exercise | Assessed using stable isotope infusions of phenylalanine. |  4.5 hour measure of muscle protein synthesis | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| How well participants suppress the degradation of body proteins while stimulating the growth of new proteins after ingesting varying forms of essential amino acid-containing proteins after exercise. | Assessed using stable isotope infusions of tyrosine. |  4.5 hour measure of whole-body protein balance |