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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05016557

The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response of Algal and Fungal Protein

Dietary protein intake is vital for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and health. The production of animal-based proteins sources is associated with growing environmental and ethical challenges. As such, sustainable alternatives are needed. Algae are sustainably produced high-protein sources and it is predicted that algae will become one of the most consumed proteins in the next decades. However, the effects of algae on the stimulation of muscle mass growth are unknown. Therefore, we aim to assess the rate of digestion and absorption, and the effects on muscle growth of two types of algae (spirulina and chlorella) when compared to a sustainable non-animal derived fungal reference protein (mycoprotein), a source known to elicit a robust anabolic response.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Metabolism

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Exeter

Exeter, Devon, EX1 2LU, United Kingdom

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • BMI between 18.5 and 30
  • Recreationally active (<3 times per week structured resistance exercise training)

Exclusion criteria

  • Any metabolic impairment
  • Any cardiovascular impairment
  • High blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg)
  • A personal history of epilepsy, seizures or schizophrenia
  • Smoking
  • Chronic (>1 month) use of over the counter pharmaceuticals
  • Chronic (>2 months) use of amino acid or protein supplements
  • Allergic to Quorn/mycoprotein or algae products

Treatment and study plan

Protein ingestion

Dietary Supplement

Bolus ingestion of 25g protein

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Protein Synthesis

    Time frame: 7.5 hours

    The rate of synthesis of new muscle protein (Fractional Synthetic Rate %/h)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Plasma Amino Acid Kinetics

    Time frame: 7.5 hours

    The rate of appearance of amino acid ingested in the drink

  2. Serum Insulin

    Time frame: 7.5 hours

    Basal and postprandial concentrations of serum insulin

  3. Blood Glucose

    Time frame: 7.5 hours

    Basal and postprandial concentrations of blood glucose

  4. mTOR phosphorylation

    Time frame: 7.5 hours

    The amount of mTOR that has been activated in the muscle cell

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Exeter

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response Following the Ingestion of a Single Bolus of Algal Protein When Compared to Fungal Protein in Healthy Young Adults

Acronym: SCAM

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Aug 23, 2021
Registry last updated
Jan 11, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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