Measurement of Acute Metabolite Changes Following Consumption of Microalgae Drinks

Measurement of Acute Metabolite Changes Following Consumption of Unprocessed and Processed Microalgae: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Protein consumption is essential for various physiological processes, with microalgae and plant proteins gaining increasing attention due to their health benefits. To better understand how different protein types and processing methods impact health outcomes, this study aims to analyse the metabolite changes in response to different protein sources.

This study is a randomised crossover trial involving 16 participants. It comprises one screening visit and five test visits, during which participants will consume intervention drinks containing primarily (1) maltodextrin, (2) whey protein isolate, (3) soy protein isolate, (4) bead-milled microalgae, or (5) non-bead-milled microalgae in a randomised order. The study aims to investigate and compare acute postprandial metabolite responses following the consumption of bead-milled and non-bead-milled microalgae, as well as whey and soy protein isolates, in Singaporean adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-literate and able to give informed consent
• Singaporean Chinese Adults aged 21 to 60 (inclusive)
• Body mass index of 18.5 to 23.0 kg/m^2 (inclusive)
• Healthy (Based on results from screening session)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently participating in another clinical study that involves altering the regular diet and/or involves consuming a dietary supplement or investigated food product as an intervention
• High blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg)
• Underlying health conditions that may affect metabolic functions
• Consuming amino acid or protein supplements, or protein drinks, regularly (i.e., more than three times a week) for the past 3 months, and not willing to discontinue usage 3 months before and during the study duration
• Weight change > 3 kg in the past 3 months
• Weight < 50 kg
• Exercising vigorously over the past 3 months (i.e., engaging in high-intensity exercises for more than 3 hours a week, where high-intensity exercises leave one out of breath and unable to talk or sing during the workout)
• Current smokers or have quit smoking for less than 5 years
• Drinking > 2 alcoholic drinks per day (i.e., one drink is defined as either 150 ml of wine, 340 ml of beer/cider or 45 ml of distilled spirit)
• If drinking ≤ 2 alcoholic drinks per day, not willing to stop consumption of alcoholic beverages two days before and on the day of the test visits
• Not willing to stop consumption of caffeinated beverages 10 to 12 houFrs before and on the day of the test visits
• Currently on a specialised diet (e.g., Halal, vegetarian, vegan, weight loss diet)
• Had serious food allergies in the past, or having intolerance, sensitivities or allergies to any of the following: seaweed or algae and their derived products, milk/dairy products (e.g., whey), starch/starch-derived products (e.g., rice, corn, wheat, potato), soy/soy-derived products, gluten, eggs, nuts, peanuts, fish and crustaceans
• Disease or impairment of the kidney and/or liver*
• Currently diagnosed with diabetes*, gastrointestinal issues (e.g., lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome), gout and/or G6PD deficiency
• Taking antibiotics 2 weeks prior to study participation
• Taking anti-hypertensive or cholesterol-lowering drugs for less than 3 years unless medically declared by an official doctor to be in stable condition
• Poor peripheral venous access based on past experiences with blood drawing
• Individuals with anemia and/or blood clotting disorders
• Donated blood within the 12 weeks prior to study participation
• Individuals with pacemaker or related electrical medical devices
• Pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy in the next 6 months