The effect of mealworm protein on muscle damage in active vital elderly

Elderly are confronted with a gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength
and function as a consequence of aging (sarcopenia). Moreover, older adults
exhibit higher levels of muscle damage upon a physical exercise bout compared
to younger adults. Physical activities result in micro injuries to contractile
proteins, so-called muscle damage, as demonstrated by elevated muscle soreness
and an increase in plasma creatine kinase (CK). The intake of dietary proteins
may augment muscle repair through accelerating muscle protein turnover, which
is of great relevance elderly. Protein from insects has the potential of being
an eco-friendly and high-quality solution to meet future protein demands.
Previous studies in humans have shown that insect protein is equivalent in
terms of nutritional value compared to milk-derived protein. Moreover, the
ingestion of mealworm protein resulted in a substantial increase in
postprandial blood amino acid levels. Muscle protein synthesis rates, both at
rest and during recovery from exercise, were comparable upon the consumption of
a mealworm- or milk-derived protein supplement. Until now, human studies using
mealworm have been conducted in small groups of young participants and only the
effects upon acute exposure has been studied. Therefore, the current study was
designed to assess the effects of mealworm supplementation for three
consecutive months in older vital individuals.

To investigate the impact of the daily consumption of a mealworm- and whey
protein supplement on muscle damage upon physical exercise in vital active
elderly.

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The effects of daily
supplementation for 3 subsequent months, of 1) mealworm, 2) milk-derived
protein, or 3) an iso-caloric placebo, on muscle damage upon physical exercise
will be measured. Muscle damage will be induced by repeated bouts of prolonged
walking exercise (30-50 km per day) on 4 consecutive days. Since this study
will be the first to provide long-term mealworm protein supplementation, we
will also repeatedly measure body composition, muscle strength, blood lipids
and inflammatory markers to obtain valuable insights into other health effects
of mealworm protein.

Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Daily
supplementation will be consumed at two doses/day (15 gram/dose), during
breakfast and after an exercise bout (or on days without exercise, during
lunch). Upon 3 months of supplement consumption, subjects will participate in
the Nijmegen Four Days Marches and they will walk 30-50 km on a self-selected
pace for four consecutive days. During the Nijmegen Four Days Marches the
protein/placebo supplement will also be consumed. Before, during and after the
protein supplementation and during the Nijmegen Four Days Marches event,
repeated blood sampling will be performed as well as the measurement of body
composition, muscle strength and the request to complete online questionnaires.

The risks involved in participating in this research are negligible. The
protein supplements provided are commercially available products with no
reported adverse effects. Protein and placebo supplements will be produced
according to the HACCP/ISO22000 regulations in certified facilities and using
approved ingredients. Most study procedures do not involve any risks for the
subjects. Measurements with a limited burden are blood sampling which is
associated with a 5% risk of developing a haemorrhage, but will fully disappear
within 2 weeks and is not associated with any (functional) limitations. Based
on previous studies, the two protein supplemented groups might benefit from
improved physical performance and reduced muscle soreness during and after the
Nijmegen Four Days Marches. All subjects will receive a summary of the obtained
study results after completion of the study.