The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response of Algal and Fungal Protein

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Official Title
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The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response Following the Ingestion of a Single Bolus of Algal Protein When Compared to Fungal Protein in Healthy Young Adults

Conditions
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Muscle Metabolism

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: BMI between 18.5 and 30 Recreationally active (<3 times per week structured resistance exercise training) 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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 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: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Mycoprotein<br>Bolus ingestion of mycoprotein providing 25g protein | Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion<br>* Bolus ingestion of 25g protein<br>|
| Experimental: Spirulina<br>Bolus ingestion of spirulina providing 25g protein | Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion<br>* Bolus ingestion of 25g protein<br>|
| Experimental: Chlorella<br>Bolus ingestion of chlorella providing 25g protein | Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion<br>* Bolus ingestion of 25g protein<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muscle Protein Synthesis | The rate of synthesis of new muscle protein (Fractional Synthetic Rate %/h) | 7.5 hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

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

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Resistance exercise, Amino Acids, Protein metabolism, Muscle protein synthesis