Loading...
The muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of a plant-derived protein blend does not differ from an equivalent amount of milk protein in healthy, young males
Pinckaers, Philippe J. M. Kouw, Imre W. K. Gorissen, Stefan H. M. Houben, Lisanne H. P. Senden, Joan M. Wodzig, Will K. H. W. de Groot, Lisette C. P. G. M. Verdijk, Lex B. Snijders, Tim van Loon, Luc J. C.
Pinckaers, Philippe J. M.
Kouw, Imre W. K.
Gorissen, Stefan H. M.
Houben, Lisanne H. P.
Senden, Joan M.
Wodzig, Will K. H. W.
de Groot, Lisette C. P. G. M.
Verdijk, Lex B.
Snijders, Tim
van Loon, Luc J. C.
Abstract
Background
Plant-derived proteins are considered to have lesser anabolic properties when compared with animal-derived proteins. The attenuated rise in muscle protein synthesis rates following ingestion of plant-derived compared with animal-derived protein has been, at least partly, attributed to deficiencies in specific amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and/or methionine. Combining different plant-derived proteins could provide plant-derived protein blends with a more balanced amino acid profile.
Objectives
This study aimed to compare postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of 30 g milk protein with a 30 g blend combining wheat, corn, and pea protein in healthy young men.
Methods
In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design, 24 young males (aged 24 ± 4 y) received a primed continuous L-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusion after which they ingested 30 g milk protein (MILK) or a 30 g plant-derived protein blend combining 15 g wheat, 7.5 g corn, and 7.5 g pea protein (PLANT-BLEND). Blood and muscle biopsies were collected frequently for 5 h to assess postprandial plasma amino acid profiles (secondary outcome) and subsequent muscle protein synthesis rates (primary outcome). Data were analyzed by 2-factor repeated measures ANOVA and 2-samples t tests.
Results
MILK increased plasma essential amino acid concentrations more than PLANT-BLEND over the 5 h postprandial period (incremental AUC = 151 ± 31 compared with 79 ± 12 mmol·300 min·L−1, respectively; P < 0.001). Ingestion of both MILK and PLANT-BLEND increased myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (P < 0.001), with no significant differences between treatments (0.053 ± 0.013%/h and 0.064 ± 0.016%/h, respectively; P = 0.08).
Conclusions
Ingestion of 30 g plant-derived protein blend combining wheat-, corn-, and pea-derived protein increases muscle protein synthesis rates in healthy young males. The muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of 30 g of this plant-derived protein blend does not differ from the ingestion of an equivalent amount of a high-quality animal-derived protein.
Clinical trial registry number for Nederlands Trial Register: NTR6548 (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR6548).
Keywords
muscle protein synthesis, plant-based proteins, dairy, protein blends, fractional synthesis rate, young healthy males
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
The Journal of Nutrition
Book
Volume
152
Issue
12
Page Range
2734-2743
Article Number
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open