Superior Influence of Reindeer compared to Beef Ingestion on Protein Metabolism in Humans

Abstract

Wild game consumption has been associated with health benefits, but the immediate influence on protein metabolism remains unknown. In order to address the direct effects on protein kinetics, we compared the feeding‐induced response to free‐range reindeer versus commercial beef using stable isotope methodology in humans. Eight male and female participants (age: 38±12 years; body mass index: 24±3 kg/m2) completed two studies using a randomized, crossover design in which they ingested reindeer or beef. L‐[2H5]phenylalanine & L‐[2H2]tyrosine were delivered via primed, continuous intravenous infusion. Blood samples were collected during a 3‐hour basal period and for 4 hrs after consumption of reindeer and beef. A priming dose of L‐[2H4]tyrosine was also delivered. Feeding‐induced changes in whole body protein synthesis (PS), protein breakdown (PB), and net protein balance (NB) were determined via analysis of plasma samples by liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS). Post‐prandial essential amino acid (EAA) concentrations were higher with reindeer ingestion (P=0.02). PS was not different but PB was reduced with reindeer compared to beef ingestion (P=0.02), contributing to superior level of NB (P=0.001). Reindeer promoted higher plasma EAA levels and NB compared to beef. The amino acid and fatty acid profiles of reindeer may have an immediate and greater benefit on protein metabolism as compared to beef. These data support the potential health benefits of wild game in the preservation of whole‐body protein.Support or Funding InformationResearch reported in this publication was supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) under grant number P20GM103395 and the Biomedical Learning and Student Training Program (UL1GM118991, TL4GM118992, or RL5GM118990) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences from the National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.