The Effects of Cricket- and Beef-derived Protein on Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations and Appetite Responses

With the rapid increase in the global population, the production of sufficient amounts of conventional animal-based protein to meet global dietary demands may no longer be desired nor feasible. Insects may represent an environmentally sustainable additional source of dietary protein that has the potential to help ensure global food security in the future. However, the functional characteristics of insect-derived proteins when fed to humans is unclear. Further, how insect-derived proteins compare to other animal-derived proteins (e.g. from beef) have not been explored.

The purpose of this study was to compare postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and amino acid concentrations, gut-derived appetite regulatory hormones, subjective appetite sensations, and ad libitum energy intake following the ingestion of 25 g insect- or beef-derived protein in healthy young men. It was hypothesized that hyperaminoacidaemia would be more rapid following the ingestion of beef-derived protein compared to cricket-derived protein, although total amino acid availability would be similar between protein sources over a 300-minute postprandial period. It was further hypothesized there would be no difference between protein sources on postprandial subjective appetite sensations or subsequent ad libitum energy intake.

Inclusion criteria

• Male
• Aged between 18-35 years inclusive
• Healthy, moderately active
• BMI < 30 kg/m2 and > 18.5 kg/m2
• Having given informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any identified metabolic or intestinal disorders
• Use of tobacco products
• Adherence to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet
• Use of medications known to affect protein metabolism
• Allergy to shellfish or crustaceans
• Allergy to beef protein
• Engagement in physical exercise training more than 6 days per week