Blood Essential Amino Acid Levels After Ingestion of High Quality Plant-Based Protein Blends Compared to Whey Protein: A Double Blind, Randomized, Cross-Over, Clinical Trial (P08-057-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study assessed the blood essential amino acid (eAA) response after consumption of high quality (PDCAAS = 1.0) plant-based protein blends versus whey protein (WPI, control) in healthy, resistance-trained adult men. Secondary Objectives assessed the blood leucine response (Cmax and Tmax). MethodsThe study was an acute, randomized, double-blind cross-over study. Participants consumed one of four study products: Blend 1 (34 grams of pea and pumpkin protein); Blend 2 (33 grams of pea, pumpkin, sunflower and coconut protein); Blend 3 (hydrolyzed version of Blend 1). Leucine was matched at 2.6 grams across test beverages equal to WPI (24 grams protein). Total eAA content was 12 grams across beverages. Fasting blood was collected and samples at 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h post consumption. Blood eAA were measured by UPLC. Repeated measures ANOVA assessed for equivalence of the total sum of blood eAA concentration. Primary endpoint was iAUC over 4 hours after consumption of the study blends. Cmax and Tmax of blood leucine response were secondary outcomes. ResultsEighteen men (25.4 ± 4.64 y) with a BMI of 24.4 ±3.35 kg.m−2 completed the study. The eAA iAUC over 4 hours of plant-based protein blends were not equivalent to WPI, the three ratios [90% CI]: Blend #1: 0.66 [0.58–0.76]; Blend #2: 0.71 [0.62–0.82], Blend #3: 0.60 [0.52–0.69] fell below the pre-defined equivalence threshold [0.80–1.25], indicative of a 30 to 40% decrease compared to WPI. Leucine Cmax over 4-hours of plant-based protein blends were not equivalent to WPI Blend #1: 0.70 [0.67–0.73]; Blend #2: 0.72 [0.68–0.75], Blend #3: 0.65 [0.62–0.68], indicative of a 28 to 35% decrease compared to WPI. Leucine Tmax for Blend #1 and Blend #3 were close to WPI (Blend #1: 0.94 [0.73–1.18]; Blend #2: 1.56 [1.28–1.92]; Blend #3: 1.19 [0.95–1.48]). ConclusionsThis study represents the first human investigation in which blood eAA responses to high-quality, plant protein blends were compared to WPI. Although the eAA iAUC were not equivalent between plant protein blends and whey control, the leucine kinetic data across our plant protein blends showed an ∼2-fold increase from fasting. Further, similar Tmax data across two plant protein blends suggest a rapid hyperleucinemia. Future studies should assess the impact of high-quality plant proteins on muscle protein synthesis. Funding SourcesSequel Naturals, Danone Research.