NCT05016557

Brief 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.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

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

Enrollment
36

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Dec 2020

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

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

December 19, 2020

Completed
8 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

August 17, 2021

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

August 23, 2021

Completed
10 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

June 24, 2022

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 24, 2022

Completed
Last Updated

January 11, 2024

Status Verified

January 1, 2024

Enrollment Period

1.5 years

First QC Date

August 17, 2021

Last Update Submit

January 10, 2024

Conditions

Muscle Metabolism

Keywords

Amino AcidsProtein metabolismResistance exerciseMuscle protein synthesis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Muscle Protein Synthesis

    The rate of synthesis of new muscle protein (Fractional Synthetic Rate %/h)

    7.5 hours

Secondary Outcomes (4)

  • Plasma Amino Acid Kinetics

    7.5 hours

  • Serum Insulin

    7.5 hours

  • Blood Glucose

    7.5 hours

  • mTOR phosphorylation

    7.5 hours

Study Arms (3)

Mycoprotein

EXPERIMENTAL

Bolus ingestion of mycoprotein providing 25g protein

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Spirulina

EXPERIMENTAL

Bolus ingestion of spirulina providing 25g protein

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Chlorella

EXPERIMENTAL

Bolus ingestion of chlorella providing 25g protein

Dietary Supplement: Protein ingestion

Interventions

Protein ingestionDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Bolus ingestion of 25g protein

ChlorellaMycoproteinSpirulina

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 40 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • BMI between 18.5 and 30
  • Recreationally active (\<3 times per week structured resistance exercise training)

You may not qualify if:

  • 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

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

University of Exeter

Exeter, Devon, EX1 2LU, United Kingdom

Location

Study Officials

  • Benjamin T Wall, PhD

    Professor of Nutritional Physiology

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
TRIPLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
BASIC SCIENCE
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

August 17, 2021

First Posted

August 23, 2021

Study Start

December 19, 2020

Primary Completion

June 24, 2022

Study Completion

June 24, 2022

Last Updated

January 11, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-01

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations

GB(1)