Brief 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.

Trial Health

On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment

participants targeted

Target at below P25 for not_applicable

Timeline

Completed

Started Nov 2019

Typical duration for not_applicable

Geographic Reach

1 country

1 active site

Status

completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

2.9 years study duration

Study Start

First participant enrolled

November 12, 2019

Completed

4 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

March 3, 2020

Completed

2 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

March 5, 2020

Completed

2.6 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

October 1, 2022

Completed

Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

October 1, 2022

Completed

Last Updated

January 11, 2024

Status Verified

January 1, 2024

Enrollment Period

2.9 years

First QC Date

March 3, 2020

Last Update Submit

January 10, 2024

Conditions

Healthy Aging

Keywords

Protein digestionAmino acid absorptionBioavailability

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

Plasma amino acid concentrations
Peak and total plasma amino acid concentrations following protein ingestion
5 hours

Secondary Outcomes (2)

Blood glucose
5 hours
Serum insulin
5 hours