Mycoprotein Consumption and Glucose Absorption

To Determine the Effects of Mycoprotein Consumption on Glucose Absorption in Healthy Participants

Previous research has demonstrated that the food found in Quorn 'Mycoprotein' can lower the blood glucose response to a meal, which may be an important finding for the management of type 2 diabetes. However, it has never been investigated how this lower response occurs, and whether there is dose-dependent response with mycoprotein. The present study will include 12 healthy young adults, who will visit the laboratory for 3 test days, with each day lasting 9 hours. On each visit, separated by a washout period of at least 2 weeks, participants will ingest either a control drink with no mycoprotein, a drink containing 20g mycoprotein or a drink containing 40g mycoprotein. By intravenously infusing labelled glucose during each visit in combination with repeated blood sampling, investigators will determine if the lower blood glucose after mycoprotein ingestion is due to reduced glucose absorption from the gut or increased uptake into body tissues.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female
• 18-35 years of age
• Consumption of sufficient amounts of carbohydrate in the diet
• Body mass index between 18.5 and 30

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any diagnosed metabolic impairment (e.g. type 1 or 2 Diabetes), or other form of abnormal glucose metabolism (as this will affect outcome of the study).
• Any diagnosed cardiovascular disease
• Insufficient consumption of carbohydrate in the diet
• A personal or family history of epilepsy, seizures or schizophrenia
• Known pre-existing liver disease/condition
• Allergy or intolerance to milk