Effect of Chickpea Protein Hydrolysate Supplementation on Muscle Damage and Inflammatory Plasma Markers During a Football Tournament: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

The study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover nutritional intervention conducted in football players during the competitive season. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two intervention sequences, with allocation balanced according to playing position.

During the first four-week intervention period, one sequence received the experimental beverage containing chickpea protein hydrolysate, whereas the other sequence received a matched placebo beverage. This was followed by a two-week washout period. During the second four-week intervention period, the treatments were crossed over so that each participant received the alternative beverage. A further two-week washout period was included after the second intervention.

On training days, the experimental beverage was consumed 2-4 hours before training at a dose providing 0.2 g protein/kg body weight and approximately 30 minutes after training at a dose providing 0.3 g protein/kg body weight. The placebo beverage followed the same administration schedule and was designed to have a similar appearance and taste and the same protein content, but from a different protein source.

Blood sampling, dietary assessment, and anthropometric measurements were scheduled at baseline and during the intervention and washout periods. The study evaluated biochemical markers related to protein and hepatic metabolism, hematological parameters, glucose and insulin, antioxidant status, inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, muscle damage markers, adverse events, dietary intake, and body composition.

Inclusion criteria

• Football player belonging to one of the participating professional, semiprofessional, or amateur football teams.
• Regular participation in the team's training sessions and matches.
• Considered healthy based on medical history, biochemical assessment, body composition, lifestyle assessment, and dietary evaluation.
• Ability and willingness to comply with the study procedures and beverage consumption schedule.
• Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, or metabolic syndrome.
• Overweight, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment.
• Abnormal biochemical test results considered clinically relevant by the research team.
• Known allergy to chickpea.
• Use of medication or nutritional supplements during the four weeks preceding enrollment.
• Current smoking.
• Participation in another similar study during the previous three months.
• Completion of less than 75% of the scheduled training sessions or matches during the study.
• Failure to consume 100% of the assigned study beverage.
• Any circumstance that, in the opinion of the research team, could impair participation or compliance with the study procedures.