Het effect van plantaardige en dierlijke eiwitsupplementen op spierschade: Een exploratief onderzoek

Rationale: Loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength is a consequence of aging.
Especially essential amino acids are key nutrients for muscle health in elderly
adults. A protein intake of 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day is recommended for elderly, but
more than half of the elderly do not reach this daily protein intake
recommendation. Until today, humans consume more proteins from animal sources
compared to plant-based sources. Though, the consumption of animal-based
proteins in the aging population brings disadvantages such as an increased risk
for cardiovascular disease and various cancers. Because of that, it seems more
advisable to increase protein intake of elderly with plant-based proteins. In
this study, we want to investigate the effect of various types of a plant-based
protein on aging muscles.

Objective: To investigate the impact of different types of proteins on muscle
damage upon an endurance exercise bout in elderly.

This explorative study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial. For 2
subsequent weeks, the effects of a daily 1) plant-based protein, 2) whey
protein, or 3) a placebo supplementation, on muscle damage, muscle mass and
muscle strength will be investigated.

The subjects will be randomly assigned to a protein or placebo supplement group. It will be consumed as a drink or smoothie. Upon completion of the 2-week supplement consumption, subjects will be asked to perform once an endurance exercise bout of walking 30 kilometres.

The risks involved in participating in this experiment are minimal. The protein
supplements provided are generally available existing products with no adverse
effects. Protein and placebo supplements will be produced under Good
Manufacturing Practices in certified facilities and using approved and
commercially available ingredients.