The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response of Algal and Fungal Protein

Muscle Metabolism Clinical Trial

— SCAM  

Official title:

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

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT05016557
• Other study ID #: 200506/B/01
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: December 19, 2020
• Est. completion date: June 24, 2022

Study information

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

Clinical Trial Summary

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.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 36
• Est. completion date: June 24, 2022
• Est. primary completion date: June 24, 2022
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 40 Years

Eligibility

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

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Muscle Metabolism

Intervention

Dietary Supplement:
• Protein ingestion
Bolus ingestion of 25g protein

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United Kingdom	University of Exeter	Exeter	Devon

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	Muscle Protein Synthesis	The rate of synthesis of new muscle protein (Fractional Synthetic Rate %/h)	7.5 hours
Secondary	Plasma Amino Acid Kinetics	The rate of appearance of amino acid ingested in the drink	7.5 hours
Secondary	Serum Insulin	Basal and postprandial concentrations of serum insulin	7.5 hours
Secondary	Blood Glucose	Basal and postprandial concentrations of blood glucose	7.5 hours
Secondary	mTOR phosphorylation	The amount of mTOR that has been activated in the muscle cell	7.5 hours