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Open Access 16-01-2024 | Original Contribution

Post-prandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of pea-derived protein do not differ from ingesting an equivalent amount of milk-derived protein in healthy, young males

Authors: Philippe J. M. Pinckaers, Joey S. J. Smeets, Imre W. K. Kouw, Joy P. B. Goessens, Annemarie P. B. Gijsen, Lisette C. P. G. M. de Groot, Lex. B. Verdijk, Luc J. C. van Loon, Tim Snijders

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Plant-derived proteins have received considerable attention as an alternative to animal-derived proteins. However, plant-derived proteins are considered to have less anabolic properties when compared with animal-derived proteins. The lower muscle protein synthesis rates following ingestion of plant- compared with animal-derived protein have been attributed to the lower essential amino acid content of plant-derived proteins and/or their specific amino acid deficiencies. This study aimed to compare post-prandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of 30 g pea-derived protein with 30 g milk-derived protein in healthy, young males.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design, 24 young males (24 ± 3 y) received a primed continuous L-[ring-¹³C₆]-phenylalanine infusion after which they ingested 30 g pea (PEA) or 30 g milk-derived protein (MILK). Blood and muscle biopsies were collected frequently for 5 h to assess post-prandial plasma amino acid profiles and subsequent post-prandial muscle protein synthesis rates.

Results

MILK increased plasma essential amino acid concentrations more than PEA over the 5 h post-prandial period (incremental area under curve 151 ± 31 vs 102 ± 15 mmol∙300 min∙L⁻¹, respectively; P < 0.001). Ingestion of both MILK and PEA showed a robust muscle protein synthetic response with no significant differences between treatments (0.053 ± 0.013 and 0.053 ± 0.017%∙h⁻¹, respectively; P = 0.96).

Conclusion

Post-prandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of 30 g pea-derived protein do not differ from the response following ingestion of an equivalent amount of milk-derived protein. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (NTR6548; 27–06-2017).

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Title: Post-prandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of pea-derived protein do not differ from ingesting an equivalent amount of milk-derived protein in healthy, young males
Authors: Philippe J. M. Pinckaers
Joey S. J. Smeets
Imre W. K. Kouw
Joy P. B. Goessens
Annemarie P. B. Gijsen
Lisette C. P. G. M. de Groot
Lex. B. Verdijk
Luc J. C. van Loon
Tim Snijders
Publication date: 16-01-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-023-03295-6

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