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Mycoprotein, Resistance Training, and Hypertrophy

Does Obtaining the Majority of Dietary Protein From Non-animal Sources Support the Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Response to Structured Resistance Training in Young Men and Women

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03572127
Acronym
HAM
Enrollment
42
Registered
2018-06-28
Start date
2018-05-16
Completion date
2022-05-01
Last updated
2025-04-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hypertrophy

Keywords

Protein, Resistance Exercise, Skeletal Muscle, Mycoprotein, Sustainability

Brief summary

Protein is vital for the preservation of health and optimal adaptation to training. However, animal proteins come with economic and environmental issues. The study will investigate the effect of non-animal vs animal based habitual protein consumption on muscle protein metabolism and changes in muscle mass and function over a longer period of time.

Detailed description

Protein is vital for the preservation of health and optimal adaptation to training. However, animal proteins come with a number of economic and environmental issues. Accordingly, the investigators need to develop an evidence base for more sustainable dietary proteins to support human nutrition. Mycoprotein is a non-animal protein produced by the continuous fermentation of the fungus Fusarium Venenatum. Previously, in a mechanistic study, it was determined that a single bolus of mycoprotein effectively supports muscle building in both rested and exercised skeletal muscle, to a similar extent as what would be expected of animal proteins. This suggests that similar adaptation of muscle tissue during training could be achieved when protein is obtained from non-animal derived protein sources. The study will investigate the effect of high non-animal vs animal based habitual protein consumption on muscle protein metabolism and changes in muscle mass and function over a longer period of time. Initially, the study will employ a stable isotope tracer to quantify muscle protein synthesis over a period of three days in healthy male and female volunteers. During this time participants will consume a controlled vegan diet or an animal based diet, with daily unilateral resistance exercise. The second phase of the study will employ a 10 week diet and resistance training intervention, with the majority of a participant's protein either coming from animal or non-animal sources. This will determine the ability of a largely non-animal derived diet to support augmentations in muscle size and strength. Briefly, participants will undergo 6 muscle biopsies over the course of an 11 week period. Initial biopsies will quantify muscle protein synthesis. Subsequent biopsies will characterise the adaptive response to the effects of nutrition and exercise. MRI scans will be employed to determine changes in muscle volume, and DXA scans will measure changes in body composition.

Interventions

OTHERDiet

High protein diet derived from either animal or non-animal sources.

Sponsors

Quorn
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
University of Exeter
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

One group will consume a non-animal derived high protein diet, whilst the other group will consume a more traditional animal protein based diet.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Males and females 18 - 40 years of age. * Body mass index between 18 and 30. * Recreationally active. * Resistance training experienced (have previous performed resistance exercise, and are familiar with the basic movements).

Exclusion criteria

* Any diagnosed metabolic impairment (e.g. type 1 or 2 Diabetes) (as this may affect normal protein metabolism). * Any diagnosed cardiovascular disease or hypertension (to avoid any complications associated with heavy exercise). * Elevated blood pressure at the time of screening. (An average systolic blood pressure reading of ≥140mmHg over two or more measurements and an average diastolic blood pressure of ≥90mmHg over two or more measurements.) * Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (that may modulate muscle protein metabolism). * A personal or family history of epilepsy, seizures or schizophrenia. * Allergic to mycoprotein / Quorn, penicillin, or milk. * Pregnancy.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscle Protein Synthesis3 daysMuscle protein synthesis measured via deuterium oxide

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscle fiber CSA10 weeksChanges in muscle fiber CSA
Muscle Strength10 weeksChanges in muscle strength
Muscle CSA10 weeksChanges in muscle CSA as measured by MRI

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 12, 2026