Effects of Plant-based Meat Alternatives in Comparison to Chicken Meat on Postprandial Metabolism in Healthy Adults

In a randomized crossover-design, 20 healthy women and men consume 4 test meals containing either 40 g of protein from plant-based meat alternatives (pea, wheat and soy protein extrudate) or chicken together with 1 g paracetamol, which is used as a marker for gastric emptying.

During a postprandial period of 6 hours parameters of protein metabolism (e.g. amino acids in plasma and urine), glucose metabolism (e.g. plasma glucose, serum insulin), lipid metabolism (serum triglycerides, total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, free fatty acids), serum uric acids, hunger- and satiety-associated gastrointestinal hormones (serum ghrelin, plasma GLP-1), and gastric emptying rate (based on plasma paracetamol) are analysed. Furthermore, subjective hunger/satiety and acceptance of the meals are assed using visual analogue scales. Each intervention arm will be separated by a washout period of at least 7 days.

Inclusion criteria

• non-smoking
• metabolically healthy
• normal weight (BMI: 18,5 - 24,9 kg/m2)
• written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• pregnancy, lactation
• hypo- or hypertension
• underweight or overweight/obesity
• food intolerances and allergies (especially soy, pea, wheat/gluten)
• malabsorption syndromes
• gastrointestinal diseases
• thyroid diseases
• diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2
• impaired kidney or liver function
• anaemia
• blood coagulation disorders
• irregular menstrual cycle
• endometriosis, severe menstrual problems
• hormonal contraception
• regular use of medications (especially habitual use of paracetamol or medications that may interact with paracetamol)
• hypersensitivity to paracetamol
• body weight below 50 kg
• alcohol abuse
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Gilbert's syndrome
• eating disorders (especially anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)
• smoking
• participation in another study