The Effect of Vicia Faba Hydrolysate Supplementation on Muscle Strength Recovery

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the result of eccentric muscle contraction and is caused by small tears in the myofibrils. Damage to the muscle fibers causes pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion which can delay recovery. Peak effects are often experienced 48 - 72 hours following the exercise session but can last up to 7 days post-exercise. Various modalities are utilized to reduce DOMS such as cryotherapy, massage, and compression. However, nutritional supplements have also been studied including Omega 3 fatty acids, creatine monohydrate, tart cherry juice, vitamin D, and probiotics.

A recent study (Kerr, et al., 2023) investigated the effects of a protein supplement (PeptiStrong®) from Vicia faba protein concentrate, a protein derived from Fava bean extract. Results showed that 17 days of 2.4 grams of PeptiStrong® significantly improved muscle strength, reduced muscle fatigue, and reduced myostatin expression during the 72 hour recovery period compared to placebo following a strenuous bout of eccentric exercise. This study aims to repeat the methods of Kerr, et al. with the addition of females and a third experimental group. In addition to 17 days of supplementation with Vicia faba Hydrolysate or placebo, a third group will be given 14 days of placebo followed by 3 days of the Vicia faba Hydrolysate supplement to determine if short-term supplementation results in a similar benefit.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females 18 - 45 years of age.
• Willing to fast overnight on the 4 testing occasions.
• Participants agree to abstain from taking additional supplements throughout the testing period, with particular emphasis placed upon protein-based products (e.g., whey or casein based protein powders; animal derived protein hydrolysates; natural supplements constituted of vegetative protein hydrolysates from rice, fava bean, pea, carrot, spirulina, broccoli, potatoes; marine derived secondary metabolite products or protein hydrolysates including Omega-3 capsules or DHA).
• Moderately active (exercise 3-5 days per week)
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English
• Participants agree to maintain their normal diet and perform only light to moderate exercise for the duration of the study.
• BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2
• Participants agree to refrain from consuming alcohol in the 48 hours leading up to a test day.
• Willingness to complete questionnaires, records and diaries associated with the study and to complete all lab visits.
• Refrain from any exercise from 48 hours prior to each test or blood draw.
• Healthy as determined by General Health Questionnaire.
• Non-smoker

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals that are glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficient. The test product in this study contains fava bean extract which may produce favism in genetically susceptible individuals.
• Alcohol or drug abuse in the past year.3. Testosterone or estrogen supplementation (not including women on oral contraceptives)
• Pregnant or nursing or planning to become pregnant.
• Participation in any other clinical trial in the past 30 days. Participation in any PepsiCo trial in the past 6 months
• Volunteers with unstable medical conditions.
• Any complaints that could interfere with the ability to exercise.
• Individuals who are cognitively impaired or unable to give informed consent.
• Any co-morbidities interacting with mobility or muscle metabolism of the lower limbs (e.g. arthritis, spasticity / rigidity, all neurological disorders, paralysis).
• Creatine supplements, corticosteroids, NSAIDS, amino acids, injectible peptides, collagen, and nicotinamide (Vit B3/niacin).
• Presence or history of neurological disorders or significant psychiatric illness.
• Any condition the study investigator believes would interfere with eligibility following the study protocol, effect the study results, or put the subject at undue risk.
• Participation in resistance or aerobic exercise within 48 hours of the test days.
• Participation of >3 high-intensity exercise sessions per week.
• Undertake recovery methods such as sea swims, foam rolling, cryotherapy or excessive stretching during days 14-17.
• Have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in previous 14 days.
• Are Hepatitis A- or B-positive or have had a sexual partner infected with hepatitis or HIV and not taking medication.
• Are not employed by, or have a parent, guardian, or other immediate family member employed by a company that manufactures any products that compete with any Gatorade product. If you are unsure if a company would be considered a competitor to Gatorade, let the study investigator know the name of the other company and the nature of your relationship to that company before ou sign the informed consent