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19-12-2022 | Original Contribution

Influence of protein source (cricket, pea, whey) on amino acid bioavailability and activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway after resistance exercise in healthy young males

Authors: Sofie Kaas Lanng, Mikkel Oxfeldt, Simon Stjernholm Pedersen, Frank Ted Johansen, Jeyanthini Risikesan, Trine Lejel, Hanne Christine Bertram, Mette Hansen

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Purpose

New dietary proteins are currently introduced to replace traditional animal protein sources. However, not much is known about their bioaccessibility and ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis compared to the traditional protein sources. We aimed to compare effects of ingesting a protein bolus (0.25 g/kg fat free mass) of either cricket (insect), pea, or whey protein on circulating amino acid levels and activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway in the skeletal muscle at rest and after exercise.

Methods

In a randomized parallel controlled trial, young males (n = 50) performed a one-legged resistance exercise followed by ingestion of one of the three protein sources. Blood samples were collected before and in the following 4 h after exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained at baseline and after 3 h from the non-exercised and exercised leg.

Results

Analysis of blood serum showed a significantly higher concentration of amino acids after ingestion of whey protein compared to cricket and pea protein. No difference between protein sources in activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway was observed either at rest or after exercise.

Conclusion

Amino acid blood concentration after protein ingestion was higher for whey than pea and cricket protein, whereas activation of mTORC1 signaling pathway at rest and after exercise did not differ between protein sources.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.org ID NCT04633694.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Influence of protein source (cricket, pea, whey) on amino acid bioavailability and activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway after resistance exercise in healthy young males
Authors: Sofie Kaas Lanng
Mikkel Oxfeldt
Simon Stjernholm Pedersen
Frank Ted Johansen
Jeyanthini Risikesan
Trine Lejel
Hanne Christine Bertram
Mette Hansen
Publication date: 19-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-03071-y

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