Aminoacidemia and Protein Kinetics in Response to the Ingestion of Plant-based Protein Blends

Aminoacidemia and Protein Kinetics in Response to the Ingestion of Plant-based Protein Blends

The present investigation aims to study a novel plant based protein isolate blend to determine if it results in similar muscle building responses compared to whey protein isolate.

Whey protein is considered the 'gold standard' to maintain body proteins (muscle, skin, bone). When isolated from milk, whey protein isolate (WPI) contains all nine essential amino acids (EAA) which are 'building blocks' that are needed to support the maintenance of body proteins. To date, there is no plant-based protein (PBP) isolate that compares to the recommended WPI towards how our body builds or supports our muscles. WPI is considered the 'gold standard' because it contains all of the EAA which provide the right amount of 'building blocks' to support our muscles. Current PBP isolates available contain insufficient amounts of EAA, and are less digestible, resulting in less 'building blocks' available to support our muscles. Recently, plant protein combinations have been designed to provide the right amounts of all the EAAs. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of a novel PBP blend on muscle protein synthesis responses by comparing it to WPI.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, between the ages of 18 - 30 years (inclusive)
2. Have a body mass index (BMI) between 18-30 kg·m2 (inclusive)
3. Be in general good health as assessed by a general health questionnaire
4. Non-smoking
5. Regular menstrual cycle and not using hormonal contraceptives
6. Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently using analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs
2. A history of neuromuscular problems or muscle and/or bone wasting diseases
3. Any acute or chronic illness, metabolic disorders
4. Currently using corticosteroids
5. Use of hormonal contraceptives or anabolic steroids (e.g. testosterone)