The Bioavailability of Multiple Novel, Sustainable, Non-animal Derived Protein Sources

Healthy Aging Clinical Trial

— NOVA  

Official title:

Comparing the Bioavailability of the Sustainable, Non-animal Derived Protein Sources Mycoprotein, Spirulina, Chlorella, Pea and Lupin to Milk Protein in Healthy Older Adults

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT04297137
• Other study ID #: 191023/A/09
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 12, 2019
• Est. completion date: October 1, 2022

Study information

• Verified date: January 2024
• Source: University of Exeter
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

The progressive age-related loss of muscle mass is termed sarcopenia. Consequences of sarcopenia are, but not limited to, decreased muscle strength, frailty, and an increased risk for the development of chronic metabolic diseases. Impaired postprandial protein digestion and amino acid absorption with advancing age has been suggested to be a key mechanism underlying sarcopenia. To overcome age-related skeletal muscle atrophy, sufficient dietary protein intake is required. However, the production of animal-based protein sources, such as milk, is associated with a number of economic, environmental, and ethical issues. Accordingly, there is a need to develop sustainable dietary protein sources to support our nutrition. Mycoprotein, spirulina, chlorella, pea, and lupin are novel, sustainable, non-animal derived protein sources that may represent potential alternative protein sources. However, the efficacy of these sources to stimulate muscle mass growth in both young and older adults is unknown.

Therefore, the present study will investigate the postprandial bioavailability of mycoprotein, spirulina, chlorella, pea, and lupin protein when compared to the animal-derived milk protein. Moreover, postprandial protein handling of these novel protein sources across different ages will be assessed. Briefly, 12 healthy young, and older adults will visit the University for 6 separate test days, with each day lasting 6 hours. Participants will consume the one of the 6 protein drinks on each test day. Repeated blood sampling will be used to assess protein digestion and subsequent systemic amino acid appearance.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 22
• Est. completion date: October 1, 2022
• Est. primary completion date: October 1, 2022
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 80 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females aged 18-35 or 55 - 80 years old.

• Body mass index between 18.5 - 30.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any diagnosed metabolic impairment (e.g. type 1 or 2 Diabetes).

• Any diagnosed cardiovascular disease or hypertension.

• Elevated blood pressure (>150/90 mmHg) at the time of screening.

• Known pre-existing liver disease/condition.

• Any medication known to affect protein and/or amino acid metabolism.

• Allergy to mycoprotein/Quorn/edible fungi, edible algae, lupin/legumes, or milk.

• Smoking.

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Healthy Aging

Intervention

Dietary Supplement:
• Protein ingestion
Ingestion of various sustainable non-animal derived protein sources compared to animal-based milk protein.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United Kingdom	University of Exeter	Exeter

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
University of Exeter

Country where clinical trial is conducted

United Kingdom, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Plasma amino acid concentrations	Peak and total plasma amino acid concentrations following protein ingestion	5 hours
Secondary	Blood glucose	The levels of glucose in the blood following protein ingestion	5 hours
Secondary	Serum insulin	The levels of insulin in blood serum following protein ingestion	5 hours