The anabolic response following ingestion of a plant-based protein product in vivo in healthy young men

The regulation of muscle mass and function are critical during muscle growth
and repair in both athletes as during advanced ageing, when the loss of muscle
mass is a common phenomenom (sarcopenia). Sarcopenia has a large impact on the
healthcare system causing an increased morbiditeit, hospitalization and/or
institutionalization. The loss of muscle mass is caused by a combination of
factors as a suboptimal food intake and a sedentary lifestyle. Aslo, an optimal
nutritional status seems to be important during in young individuals. A
disregulation of muscle protein turnover
results in a disbalance between muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein
breakdown. The intake of dietary protein is shown to have a positive impact on
the synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins. Amino acids stimulates muscle
protein synthesis and slows down muscle protein breakdown, resulting in a
positive muscle protein net balance in both young and elderly. Plant-based
protein sources (such as wheat) and animal-based protein (such as whey and
casein) have a different effect on the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis.
More than half of the total amount of dietary protein that is consumed by
humans worldwide is of plant origin, with plant-based proteins providing up to
80% of dietary protein consumed in less developed regions. It is remarkable
that the anabolic properties of the main plant-based protein sources have not
been assessed. Greater sustainability and low cost of plant-based protein
sources provide us with many opportunities in the emerging markets. However,
there are limited studies that have quantified the anabolic response to the
ingestion of plant-based protein sources in vivo in humans when compared with
animal-based protein sources.

To compare the anabolic properties of a meal-like amount (40 g) plant-based
protein when compared with animal-based protein on muscle protein synthesis
rates in vivo in humans.

Randomized, parallel, study design.

Subjects will either consume 40 g wheat- or chicken protein (isonitrogenous
amount) in the form of a ready-to-eat product. Both meals will be baked for 8
minutes with 3 ml of olive oil and served on a white plate (for blinding). The
meals have the same texture, color, and overall appearance and should be
consumed as part of main meal

The burden and risks associated with participation are small. Insertion of the
catheters in a vein is comparable to a blood draw and could result in a small
hematoma. Muscle biopsies will be taken under local anaesthesia by an
experienced physician, but may cause some minor discomfort for maximally up to
24 h after completion. The discomfort is comparable to muscle soreness or the
pain one has after bumping into a table. During the experimental trials 16
blood samples (in total 170 mL) will be obtained. The total amount of blood we
draw is less than half the amount of a blood donation and will be completely
restored in approximately 1 month. Participants will visit the University
twice. The first visit will involve a screening visit (~1.5 h), during which
the eligibility of the participant will be assessed and a DEXA scan will be
performed. For the second visit (experimental trial) participants are required
to come to the University in a fasted state, not having consumed any food or
beverages (except for water) as from 20:00 the evening before. Also, 3 days
prior to the experimental trial participants need to record their food intake
and activities performed. During these 3 days participants are not allowed to
perform heavy physical exercise or drink alcohol. There is no direct benefit
for the participants, except from their contribution to scientific knowledge
and the development of novel concepts for more sustainable protein consumption.