Effects of Essential Amino Acid-enriched Whey and Carbohydrate Co-ingestion on Protein Kinetics

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Previous work conducted by the Investigators demonstrates that an essential amino acid(EAA)-enriched whey protein combination format is an efficient EAA/protein format to support enhanced whole-body protein balance and sustain muscle protein synthesis compared to isonitrogenous amounts of whey alone or a mixed-macronutrient meal. However, additional work is needed to optimize the formulation to ensure the best possible muscle and whole-body anabolic responses are achieved. This includes addressing the potential value of adding non-EAA/protein components to support energy demands. Providing additional non-protein energy to an EAA-enriched whey protein formulation may reduce the proportion of exogenous amino acids directed towards energy production thereby preserving its use for muscle protein synthesis. However, whether suppressing exogenous amino acid oxidation by providing additional carbohydrate allows for a greater muscle protein synthetic stimulus during moderate energy deficit (- 30% total energy requirements) is unknown. Therefore, this study will test the effects of EAA-enriched whey protein plus carbohydrate versus EAA-enriched whey plus additional EAA using a randomized, cross-sectional longitudinal study design.

Detailed Description
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In this study the Investigators will test the effects of EAA-enriched whey protein plus carbohydrate versus EAA-enriched whey plus additional EAA using a randomized, cross-sectional longitudinal study design. Thirty healthy, functional and aerobic exercise trained adults will complete two, 5-d controlled feeding phases, one maintaining energy balance and one inducing energy deficit in random order and separated by at least a 7d washout period. The difference in post-exercise (whole-body exercise model) muscle protein synthesis and whole-body protein turnover between the study treatments will be determined the day after each 5-d controlled feeding phase. This design will test the following hypotheses: 1) The magnitude of post-exercise anabolic response to EAA-enriched whey protein plus carbohydrate are enhanced compared to EAA-enriched whey protein plus additional EAA during energy deficit; 2) Regardless of protein treatment, the magnitude of anabolic response will be reduced during energy deficit compared to energy balance.

Official Title
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Determining Optimal Energy Substrate to Enhance Postprandial Protein Kinetic Responses to Essential Amino Acid-enriched Whey During Energy Deficit

Conditions
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Energy Deficit

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: EAA+W & Carbohydrate
* Dietary Supplement: EAA+W & EAA


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Body mass index < 30.0 kg/m2 Weight stable in the past 2 months (± 2.27 kg) 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 Functional exercise (i.e., step ups, box jumps, body mass movements) and/or aerobic exercise trained defined by self-report as performing ≥ 2 sessions/wk for previous 6 months Willing to refrain from taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®), or any other aspirin-containing product for 10 days before the first  8.5 hour laboratory day and at least 5 days after completing the last  8.5 hour laboratory day Willing to refrain from alcohol, smoking any nicotine product (includes e-cigarettes), vaping, chewing tobacco, caffeine, and dietary supplements after the completing the baseline period until the end of the study Must obtain supervisor approval for federal civilian employees and non-HRV active duty military personnel working within the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center Females must have normal menstrual cycles between 26-32 days in duration; 5 menstrual cycles within the past 6 months; or able to provide documentation of oral/hormonal contraceptive use which contains low-dose estrogen/progesterone to maintain continuous levels throughout the 28-day cycle (i.e., no placebos) Exclusion Criteria: 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 as assessed by OMSO Participation in 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 due to personal preference, dietary restrictions, and/or food allergies Unwillingness to adhere to study physical restrictions

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: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: randomized, cross-sectional, longitudinal study
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: EAA+W & Carbohydrate: Balance (BAL) first, then Deficit (DEF)<br>Participants will consume an essential amino acid plus whey (EAA+W) beverage with added Carbohydrate during energy balance (BAL) first, then again during energy deficit (DEF). | Dietary Supplement: EAA+W & Carbohydrate<br>* Essential amino acid plus whey beverage with added carbohydrate<br>|
| Active Comparator: EAA+W & Carbohydrate: DEF first, then BAL<br>Participants will consume an essential amino acid plus whey beverage with added Carbohydrate during energy deficit first, then again during energy balance. | Dietary Supplement: EAA+W & Carbohydrate<br>* Essential amino acid plus whey beverage with added carbohydrate<br>|
| Active Comparator: EAA+W & EAA: BAL first, then DEF<br>Participants will consume an essential amino acid (EAA) plus whey beverage with added EAA during energy balance first, then again during energy deficit. | Dietary Supplement: EAA+W & EAA<br>* Essential amino acid plus whey beverage with added essential amino acid<br>|
| Active Comparator: EAA+W & EAA: DEF first, then BAL<br>Participants will consume an essential amino acid (EAA) plus whey beverage with added EAA during energy deficit first, then again during energy balance. | Dietary Supplement: EAA+W & EAA<br>* Essential amino acid plus whey beverage with added essential amino acid<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Whole-body Protein Balance | Whole-body net balance will be determined using stable-isotope methodologies | approximately 5.75 hours | 
| Whole-body Protein Synthesis | Whole-body protein synthesis will be determined using stable-isotope methodologies | approximately 5.75 hours | 
| Whole-body Protein Breakdown | Whole-body protein breakdown will be determined using stable-isotope methodologies | approximately 5.75 hours | 
| Muscle Protein Synthesis | Muscle protein synthesis will be determined using stable-isotope methodologies | approximately 5.75 hours | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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whole-body protein turnover, muscle protein synthesis, protein kinetics