Protein Source on Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will determine the effect of the same ounce-equivalents of fresh pork versus nuts, beans, and eggs on postprandial plasma essential amino acid availability in adults. Each participant will receive all four treatments.

Detailed Description
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The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans stipulates how much Protein Foods should be consumed per day and per week as part of a Healthy U.S.-Style Eating Pattern. The predominant protein sources include lean meats, poultry, and eggs, however, nuts, seeds, and soy products are also included. Ounce-equivalents (oz-eq) are used as a standard unit of measure to compare animal to non-animal protein sources. One oz-eq of lean meat (1 oz) is equal to 0.5 oz of nuts (1 oz-eq), 0.25 cups (1 oz-eq) of beans, and one whole egg (1 oz-eq). One limitation of this unit of measure is that the protein quantity and quality of the foods are not considered. For example, 1 oz-eq of pork loin contains  7 g of dietary protein whereas 1 oz-eq of almonds contains 3 g of protein. Consequently, consuming an oz-eq portion of protein foods from different sources could have different effects on the anabolic response to feeding. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of consuming ounce equivalent portions of fresh pork versus nuts, beans, and eggs on essential amino acid substrate availability for protein anabolism. While it would seem intuitive that this research would show that higher protein intakes from pork and egg will lead to higher plasma essential amino acid responses, this research is paramount to addressing the shortcoming of using oz-eq to achieve the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for Protein Foods. This research will serve as an important resource for future Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committees to reevaluate the appropriateness of equating animal- and plant-based Protein Foods on the current ounce-equivalent basis.

Official Title
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Effect of Consuming Ounce Equivalent Portions of Fresh Pork Versus Nuts, Beans, and Eggs as Defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans on Essential Amino Acid Substrate Availability for Protein Anabolism

Conditions
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Protein Deposition

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Pork
* Other: Egg
* Other: Black beans
* Other: Almonds


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male or female Age 25-39 BMI 25-35 kg∙m-2 Weight stable (± 4.5 kg) 3 months pre-study Not acutely ill Not diabetic Not pregnant or lactating Not currently (or within 3 months pre-study) following a vigorous exercise regimen Non-smoking Willing to consume study foods and travel to testing facilities.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 25 Years
Maximum Age: 39 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: Diagnostic
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Pork<br>1 ounce lean pork | Other: Pork<br>* 1 oz lean pork<br>|
| Active Comparator: Egg<br>1 large whole egg | Other: Egg<br>* 1 large whole egg<br>|
| Experimental: Black beans<br>0.5 cups cooked black beans | Other: Black beans<br>* 0.5 cups cooked black beans<br>|
| Experimental: Almonds<br>1 ounce almonds | Other: Almonds<br>* 1 oz almonds<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plasma amino acid concentrations | Plasma samples will be drawn at times 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes after the consumption of the trial meal. | 5 hours |