Dietary Protein Supplementation Research Articles

PREHABILITATION BEFORE GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER SURGERY (PREHAB-GI): AN IMPLEMENTATION STUDY

BACKGROUND Surgery continues to be the primary treatment option for early-stage colorectal and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers. However, up to 30-40% will experience a major complication. Prehabilitation aims to improve preoperative functional reserves through physical, nutritional, and/or psychological interventions. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a multimodal prehabilitation program in gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients. METHODS A single-arm implementation study using a pre-post design. Colorectal or UGI cancer patients scheduled for curative intent surgery at Concord Hospital with ≥14 days pre-surgery were recruited. The intervention was face-to-face or by telehealth (COVID adaptations): a 2-4-week program consisting of i) supervised exercise, ii) dietary education and protein supplements, iii) nursing support. The primary outcome was implementation using the RE-AIM (Reach/Effectiveness/Adoption/Implementation/Maintenance) framework. Secondary outcomes included functional, nutritional, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS Over 16 months, 181 were screened; 95 (52%) were eligible. Reach: 77/95 recruited (64 colorectal, 13 UGI). The median age was 70 years; 46 (60%) were males. Median intervention duration was 16 days. Effectiveness: Functional capacity using the 6-minute walk test and 2-minute step test improved from baseline to pre-surgery; 9.3m (p=0.038) and 6.5 steps (p=<0.001), respectively. Self-reported moderate, vigorous and resistance training statistically increased from baseline to pre-surgery. Hospital length of stay decreased by 1.9 days (p=0.010). There was no difference in total complications and readmissions. Adoption: 91% of referrals were directly from surgeons. Implementation: 72 completed the intervention; 5 withdrew after baseline assessment. 34% of assessments and intervention were delivered by telehealth. Adherence to the intervention was high; 94% exercise, 97% nutrition, 98% nursing. Overall, participant and clinician satisfaction was high. Maintenance: The program has been adopted as standard care with modifications post-study completion. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that multimodal prehabilitation can be successfully implemented in a real-world setting, with a trend to improve functional and surgical outcomes.

Effect of source and frequency of rumen-protected protein supplementation on mammary gland amino acid metabolism and nitrogen balance of dairy cattle

The AA profile of MP affects mammary gland metabolism and milk N efficiency of dairy cattle. Further, the frequency of dietary protein supplementation may influence N partitioning leading to reduced N excretion. This study investigated the effect of source and frequency of rumen-protected (RP) protein supplementation on apparent total-tract digestibility, milk production, mammary gland AA metabolism, and N balance of dairy cattle. Twenty-eight Holstein-Friesian cows (2.3 ± 0.9 lactations; 93 ± 27 d in milk; mean ± SD) were used in a randomized complete block design and fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of 41% corn silage, 32% grass silage, and 27% concentrate (DM basis) and formulated to meet 100 and 95% of net energy and MP requirements, respectively. Cows were adapted to the basal TMR in a free stall barn for 7 d, moved to individual tie stalls for 13 d of adaptation to dietary treatments, and then moved into climate respiration chambers for a 4-d measurement period. Treatments consisted of the basal TMR (CON; 159 g CP/kg DM) or the basal TMR including 1 of 3 iso-MP supplements: 1) 315-g mixture of RP soybean meal and RP rapeseed meal fed daily (ST-RPSR), 2) 384-g mixture of RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met fed daily (ST-RPAA), and 3) 768-g mixture of RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met fed every-other day (OS-RPAA). The basal TMR with the addition of treatment supplements was designed to deliver 100% of required MP over a 48-h period. The mixture of His, Lys, and Met was formulated to deliver digestible AA in amounts relative to their concentration in casein. Compared with ST-RPSR, ST-RPAA increased milk protein and fat concentration, increased the arterial concentration of total His, Lys, and Met (HLM), decreased mammary clearance of HLM, and increased clearance of Phe, Leu and Tyr (tendency for Leu and Tyr). Rumen-protected protein source did not affect N balance, but the marginal use efficiency (efficiency of transfer of RP protein supplement into milk protein) of ST-RPAA (67%) was higher than that of ST-RPSR (17%). Milk protein concentration decreased with OS-RPAA compared with ST-RPAA. Arterial concentration of HLM increased on the non-supplemented day compared with the supplemented day with OS-RPAA, and there was no difference in arterial HLM concentration across days with ST-RPAA. Mammary uptake of HLM tended to increase on the non-supplemented day compared with the supplemented day with OS-RPAA. Supplementation frequency of RP AA did not affect N balance or overall milk N efficiency, but the marginal use efficiency of OS-RPAA (49%) was lower compared with ST-RPAA. Overall, mammary glands responded to an increased supply of His, Lys, and Met by reducing efflux of other EAA when RP His, RP Lys, and RP Met were supplemented compared with RP plant proteins. Mammary glands increased sequestration of EAA (primarily HLM) on the non-supplemented day with OS-RPAA, but supplementing RP AA according to a 24-h oscillating pattern did not increase N efficiency over static supplementation.

Diversity, conservation and utilization of grain legumes: A potential source for food and nutritional security in Nepal

Grain legumes are precious crops of Nepal in terms of the dietary protein supplement ample concentration of micronutrients, and role in crop intensification and ameliorating soil fertility. About 11% of the cultivated area is occupied by grain legumes that include lentil, chickpea, grasspea, fieldpea, fababean, pigeonpea, soybean, blackgram, horsegram, ricebean, cowpea, and mungbean. About 100 genera and 379 species of legumes are distributed in diverse agroecological zones ranging from terai to the alpine region of Nepal, with growth habits ranging from annual to perennial shrubs. Out of the 379 species of legumes which include grain, vegetable, and forage legumes, 262 are native, and 20 species belonging to the sub-group Papilionacae are used as food legumes. Highest food legume species diversity has been recorded in Macrotyloma (34 spp.), followed by Crotalaria (18 spp.), Vigna (15 spp.), Lathyrus (7 spp.), Vicia (6 spp.), Cajanus (5 spp.), Trigonella (5 spp.) and Phaseolus (4 spp.). Other genus having 1-3 species includes Cicer (3 spp.), Mukuna (3 spp.), Glycine (2 spp.), Canavila (2 spp.), Pisum (2 spp.), Lablab (2 spp.), Pachyrrhizus (1 sp.), Psophocarpus (1 sp.), Lens (1 sp.) and Cyamopsis (1 sp.). Research on grain legumes was initiated in 1976 and a systematic collection of grain legume landraces was done in 1987 by the Grain Legumes Research Program (GLRP). Past collection missions organized in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and other institutes have resulted in the collection of 1107 landraces and provided an opportunity for their inclusion in the variety improvement program. National Agricultural Genetic Resources Center (NAGRC) has conserved 2936 landraces of different legumes, 951 landraces have been kept in gene banks of ICARDA center, while GLRP Khajura has active collections of 218 landraces and 627 exotic germplasm of various legume crops. Varietal improvement programs resulted in the development of 51 varieties, while 6 varietes were registered and two varieties were de-notified in food legumes (lentil, chickpea, soybean, cowpea, black gram, mungbean, pigeon pea, rice bean, faba bean, grass pea, and kidney bean).

Zein-Derived Peptides from Corn Promote the Proliferation of C2C12 Myoblasts via Crosstalk of mTORC1 and mTORC2 Signaling Pathways.

Dietary protein supplementation has emerged as a promising strategy in combating sarcopenia. Furthermore, searching for alternatives of animal proteins has been a hot topic. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of zein peptides on C2C12 myoblasts and explore their potential molecular mechanisms. The proliferative, cell cycle, and anti-apoptotic activities of zein peptides were evaluated. Peptidomics analysis and transcriptome sequencing were employed to explore the structure-activity relationship and underlying molecular mechanisms. The results indicated that zein peptides (0.05-0.2 mg/mL) exerted a significant proliferation-promoting impact on C2C12 cells, via increasing cell viability by 33.37 to 42.39%. Furthermore, zein peptides significantly increased S phase proportion and decreased the apoptosis rate from 34.08% (model group) to 28.96% in C2C12 cells. In addition, zein peptides exhibited a pronounced anti-apoptotic effect on C2C12 cells. Zein peptides are abundant in branch-chain amino acids, especially leucine. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that zein peptides can promote proliferation, accelerate cell cycle, and improve protein synthesis of muscle cells through mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathways.

The Potential of Fish Protein Hydrolysate Supplementation in Nile Tilapia Diets: Effects on Growth and Health Performance, Disease Resistance, and Farm Economic Analysis.

Fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) has shown immense potential as a dietary protein supplement and immunostimulant in aquaculture, especially in Nile tilapia production. Four isoproteic diets (30% crude protein) were prepared by including FPH at varying percentages (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%). Nile tilapia fed with FPH diets for 90 days, and their growth performance, feed utilization, blood biochemistry, liver and gut morphology, and resistance against Streptococcus iniae were investigated. The findings revealed that diets physical attributes such as pellet durability index and water stability were remarkably (p < 0.05) varied between experimental diet groups. Furthermore, the test diets were more palatable when FPH was included at 1% and 2%. Fish that were fed with a 2% FPH-treated diet had significantly (p < 0.05) greater growth indices than other treatments. Additionally, their feed utilization was significantly (p < 0.05) improved. The experimental diets and intestinal total bacteria count (TBC) exhibited a rising trend with FPH levels, where the 2% FPH-treated diet recorded the highest TBC. Neutrophil (109/L), lymphocyte (109/L), eosinophil (109/L), and red blood cell(1012/L) counts were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 2% FPH-treated group, while the white blood cell (109/L), and basophil (109/L) counts were not influenced by the FPH inclusion. Moreover, the FPH-treated groups displayed lower creatinine, bilirubin, and urea levels than the control. The histological examination demonstrated that themid-intestine of 2% FPH-fed Nile tilapia had an unbroken epithelial wall, more villi with frequent distribution of goblet cells, wider tunica muscularis, and stronger stratum compactum bonding than other treatments. Additionally, this group exhibited more nuclei and erythrocytes and less vacuolar cytoplasm in liver than their counterparts. Nile tilapia that were given a diet containing 2% FPH had significantly (p < 0.05) higher resistance (83.33%) to S. iniae during the bacterial challenge test. A significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in farm economic efficiency was observed in the higher inclusion of FPH in diets. In summary, 2% FPH supplementation in Nile tilapia diets improved their growth performance, feed utilization, health status, disease resistance, and farm economic efficiency.

Looking for a Novel Vegan Protein Supplement from Faba Bean, Lupine, and Soybean: a Dietary and Industrial Standpoint

Global population growth poses a threat to sustainable development. Meanwhile, the use of plant proteins as healthy and sustainable alternatives to animal proteins needs further research. Therefore, this investigation was designed to study the nutritive, structural, and thermal properties of isolated protein fractions from different legumes, i.e., faba bean (FPI), soybean (SPI), and lupine (LPI). As a prospective plant-based protein powder, an equal mixture (MPI) of the three prior legume samples was formulated to study its properties compared to each sole sample. The alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation (AE-IP) technique was used for protein isolation. Results showed that all protein isolates had reasonable levels of protein with maximum protein content in SPI (96.15%). The MPI sample, however, came out on top in terms of amino acid profile followed by FBI. Compared to SPI and LPI, it had the highest isoleucine content and higher methionine, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine. Moreover, MPI showed a median particle charge (−37.1 mV) compared to FPI, SPI, and LPI samples. MPI sample peak showed resistance to heat denaturation at a temperature greater than 200 °C when the DSC test was conducted. With respect to its rheological characteristics, it outperformed the other three protein isolates and exhibited the highest values of storage modulus G’ and loss modulus G”. Consequently, our study suggests that pulse-derived protein isolate mixture can be used as a unique type of nutritious dietary protein supplement. It could be a good nutritional alternative to proteins derived from animals.

Comparison of different protein sources on the phosphorus digestibility of soybean meal for broiler chickens determined using the regression method

A study was conducted to evaluate the P digestibility in soybean meal (SBM) using the regression method with different basal diet that varied in protein sources. The treatments were organized in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, where 4 semipurified diets were formulated with varying source of protein (no protein supplement, or added casein, potato protein isolate (PPI), or dried egg albumen (DEA) at 60 g/kg) and 3 dietary levels of SBM (290, 370, or 450 g/kg). The study was a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate cages of 6 birds per cage. The experimental diets were fed from d 19 to 22 posthatching, excreta samples were collected from d 20 to 22, and ileal digesta samples were collected on d 22. Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure. The digestibility and total tract utilization of DM, P, Ca, and N were affected by protein source (P < 0.05). Diets with casein presented the highest (P < 0.05) digestibility of N. Increasing SBM level in all dietary protein sources reduced (P < 0.001) the digestibility and total tract utilization of DM. The regression-derived ileal digestibility of P in SBM was 57.8 (SE = 3.78), 63.2 (SE = 5.02), 58.8 (SE = 4.53), and 35.3% (SE = 5.27) for diets without protein supplement, with casein, PPI, or DEA, respectively; the corresponding P retention were 52.2 (SE = 11.09), 83.4 (SE = 14.89), 42.6 (SE = 15.88), and 51.9% (SE = 14.67). The protein source affected (P < 0.05) the slope and intercept of P digestibility in SBM. A comparison of the coefficients using confidence intervals demonstrated that the ileal digestibility of P in SBM determined in diets with DEA was lower (P < 0.05) than the other protein sources, which did not differ from one another. These results indicate that the selection of dietary protein supplements may affect P digestibility assays using the regression method.

Effects of reduced-protein diets with protease supplementation on growth, carcass yield, intestinal morphology, organ development, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical of broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass yield, intestinal morphology, organ development, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler fed 1% reduced-protein diets with/without protease supplementation. A total of 1,120 one-day-old male broiler chickens with average initial body weight (BW), 46.45 ± 0.49 g, were divided into five groups with seven replications and 32 birds per replication. The treatment varied according to the protein and protease enzyme levels: positive control (PC), negative control (NC, PC with reduction of 1% protein), PC supplemented with 50 g/t protease (PC + 50), NC supplemented with 50 g/t protease (NC + 50), and NC supplemented with 100 g/t protease (NC + 100). The results showed that there was no significant effect of 1% reduced-protein diets, with or without protease on feed intake, final BW, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility. The changes in dietary protein level and supplementation of protease did not affect carcass yield, but significantly affected abdominal fat content, PC + 50 group had significantly lower abdominal fat content than NC-based diet including NC, NC + 50, NC + 100. Reduced-protein with protease supplementation strongly affected organ weight, especially on day 21: the pancreas was heavier in PC and NC + 50 group than other groups, spleen was heaver in NC group than in NC + 100 group, thymus was heavier in NC + 50 group than in PC, NC and NC + 100 group, small intestine was heavier in NC + 50 and NC + 100 group than in PC group, and large intestine was also heavier in NC + 50 group than in NC group. Villus height sampled at 35-d was significantly increased with protease supplement, and which was significantly higher in NC + 100 group than NC group. Regarding on blood metabolites, only urea and uric acid were affected by the reduction of dietary protein, broiler fed PC diet had higher urea and uric acid content than fed NC diet. In conclusion, supplementation of 50 g/t protease in 1% reduced-protein diets does not negatively affect on growth, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, organ development, and blood metabolites. Moreover, supplementation of protease in low-protein diet could effectively promote organ development and benefit intestine morphology.

Short-Term Effects of Dietary Protein Supplementation on Physical Recovery in Older Patients at Risk of Malnutrition during Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Pilot, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

It is estimated that about 50% of geriatric rehabilitation patients suffer from sarcopenia. Thereby, malnutrition is frequently associated with sarcopenia, and dietary intake is the main modifiable risk factor. During hospitalization, older adults are recommended to consume more dietary protein than the current recommended dietary allowance of 0.8 g/kg body weight per day to optimize the recovery of muscular strength and physical function. This prospective pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of short-term protein supplementation with protein-enriched foods and drinks on the hand-grip strength, nutritional status, and physical function of older patients at risk of malnutrition during a three-week inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation stay. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess malnutrition. Patients with an MNA score ≤ 23.5 points were randomly assigned to an intervention group (goal: to consume 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg body weight per day) or a control group (standard care). Both groups carried out the same rehabilitation program. Physical recovery parameters were determined at admission and discharge. A trend was recognized for participants in the intervention group to consume more protein than the control group (p = 0.058): 95.3 (SD 13.2) g/day as compared to 77.2 (SD 24.2) g/day, which corresponds to a mean protein intake of 1.6 (SD 0.3) g/kg/day vs. 1.3 (SD 0.5) g/kg/day. Dietary protein supplementation increased body weight by an average of 0.9 (SD 1.1) kg and fat mass by an average of 0.9 (SD 1.2) kg as compared to the baseline (p = 0.039 and p = 0.050, respectively). No significant change in hand-grip strength, body composition, or physical function was observed. In conclusion, short-term intervention with protein-enriched foods and drinks enabled older patients at risk of malnutrition to increase their protein intake to levels that are higher than their required intake. In these older individuals with appropriate protein intake, dietary protein supplementation did not result in a greater improvement in physical recovery outcomes during short-term inpatient rehabilitation. The intervention improved dietary protein intake, but further research (e.g., a full-scale, randomized, controlled trial with sufficient power) is required to determine the effects on physical function outcomes.

Rumen-protected lysine supplementation improved amino acid balance, nitrogen utilization and altered hindgut microbiota of dairy cows

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and rumen-protected lysine (RPL) supplementation on lactation performance, amino acid (AA) balance, nitrogen (N) utilization and hindgut microbiota in dairy cows. Treatments were in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, and the main effects were CP concentration (16% vs. 18%) and RPL supplementation (with or without RPL at 40 g/cow per day). Forty cows were randomly allocated to 4 groups: low-CP diet (LP), low-CP diet plus RPL (LPL), high-CP diet (HP), high-CP diet plus RPL (HPL). The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks. Results showed that RPL increased the dry matter intake (P < 0.01), milk protein yield (P = 0.04) and energy corrected milk (P = 0.04), and tended to increase milk fat yield (P = 0.06) and fat corrected milk (P = 0.05). Cows in the HP group tended to have higher milk urea N (P = 0.07). Plasma concentrations of Arg, Ile, Lys, Met, Pro, total essential AA and total nonessential AA were increased by RPL (P < 0.05). The total essential AA, total nonessential AA and most AA (except Ile, Phe, Gly and Pro) were increased in the HP group (P < 0.05). N excretion was increased in the HP group through an increase in urea N excretion (P < 0.01) and an upward trend in plasma urea N (P = 0.07). In addition, RPL tended to increase milk protein N secretion (P = 0.08), milk N (P = 0.07) and microbial protein synthesis (P = 0.06), and decreased plasma urea N (P < 0.001). In the hindgut, the bacterial community were different between the LP and LPL groups (P < 0.01). The probiotic abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Acinetobacter were increased by RPL (P = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively). The pathogenic abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (P < 0.001) and Turicibacter (P < 0.01) were decreased by RPL. In conclusion, supplementing RPL with low dietary CP could balance AA supply and increase milk protein yield, resulting in an improvement in N utilization efficiency, and altered the composition of the hindgut microbiota to favor the lactation performance of dairy cows.

Effects of graded levels of dietary protein supplementation on milk yield, body weight gain, blood biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in lactating ewes.

Diet-associated characteristics such as dietary protein levels can modulate the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota, leading to effects on the productive performance and overall health of animals. The objective of this study was to see how changes in dietary protein levels affect milk yield, body weight gain, blood biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in lactating ewes. In a completely randomized design, eighteen ewes were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6 ewes/group), and each group was assigned to one of three dietary treatments with different protein contents. The ewes' groups were fed on 8.38% (S-I), 10.42% (S-m), and 13.93% (S-h) dietary protein levels on a dry basis. The body weight gain and milk yield were greater (p < 0.05) in ewes fed the S-h dietary treatment than in those fed the S-m and S-1 diets, respectively. However, milk protein contents were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatments. The blood glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, lactate, creatinine, and C-reactive protein contents of lactating ewes were not influenced (p > 0.05) by different dietary protein levels. The alanine transaminase, aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also not changed (p > 0.05) across the groups. However, blood urea nitrogen and albumin contents of lactating ewes were changed (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary protein, and these metabolite concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) for S-h than the rest of the treatments. In the different treatment groups, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found to be the most dominant phyla. However, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae species decreased as dietary protein levels increased. Within the Bacteroidetes phylum, Rikenellaceae were more abundant, followed by Prevotellaceae, in ewes fed the S-m diet compared to those fed the other diets. Based on the results, feeding at an optimal protein level improved milk yield and body weight gain through modifying the digestive tract's beneficial bacterial communities. The results of blood metabolites suggested that feeding higher-protein diets has no negative impact on health.

P14-007-23 Dietary Protein Supplementation During Time Restricted Feeding Does Not Affect Body Composition or Sleep, but Improves Mood, in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

P14-007-23 Dietary Protein Supplementation During Time Restricted Feeding Does Not Affect Body Composition or Sleep, but Improves Mood, in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

The Requirement and Protective Effects of Dietary Protein against Chronic Ammonia Exposure in Juvenile Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Ammonia is a key risk factor in intensive aquaculture systems. This experiment is aimed at investigating the influence of dietary protein levels on genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) under chronic ammonia stress. GIFT juveniles of 4.00 ± 0.55 g were exposed to high ammonia level at 0.88 mg/L and fed with six diets comprising graded protein levels at 22.64%, 27.26%, 31.04%, 35.63%, 38.47%, and 42.66% for 8 weeks. The fish in negative control was fed the diet with 31.04% protein in normal water (0.02 mg ammonia/L water). Our results showed that high ammonia exposure (0.88 mg/L) caused significant decrease in fish growth performance, hematological parameters, liver antioxidant enzymes (catalase and glutathione peroxidase), and gill Na+- and K+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATP) activity. When fish were under high ammonia exposure, the weight gain rate, special growth rate, feed efficiency, and survival rate elevated significantly with dietary protein supplementation increase to 35.63%, whereas protein efficiency ratio, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index showed a decreased tendency. Dietary protein administration significantly enhanced crude protein but reduced crude lipid contents in the whole fish. Fish fed diets with 35.63%-42.66% protein had higher red blood cell counts and hematocrit percentage than fish fed 22.64% protein diet. The values of serum biochemical indices (lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase), hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and gill Na+/K+-ATP activity were all elevated with the increment of dietary protein. Moreover, histological analysis indicated that dietary protein administration could prevent the ammonia-induced damages in fish gill, kidney, and liver tissues. Based on weight gain rate as a response criterion, the optimal dietary protein requirement for GIFT juveniles under chronic ammonia stress was 37.9%.

Adherence to and Efficacy of the Nutritional Intervention in Multimodal Prehabilitation in Colorectal and Esophageal Cancer Patients

Multimodal prehabilitation programs to improve physical fitness before surgery often include nutritional interventions. This study evaluates the efficacy of and adherence to a nutritional intervention among colorectal and esophageal cancer patients undergoing the multimodal Fit4Surgery prehabilitation program. The intervention aims to achieve an intake of ≥1.5 g of protein/kg body weight (BW) per day through dietary advice and daily nutritional supplementation (30 g whey protein). This study shows 56.3% of patients met this goal after prehabilitation. Mean daily protein intake significantly increased from 1.20 ± 0.39 g/kg BW at baseline to 1.61 ± 0.41 g/kg BW after prehabilitation (p &lt; 0.001), with the main increase during the evening snack. BW, BMI, 5-CST, and protein intake at baseline were associated with adherence to the nutritional intervention. These outcomes suggest that dietary counseling and protein supplementation can significantly improve protein intake in different patient groups undergoing a multimodal prehabilitation program.

Processed fava bean as a substitute for rapeseed meal with or without rumen-protected methionine supplement in grass silage-based dairy cow diets

Fava bean offers a sustainable home-grown protein source for dairy cows, but fava bean protein is extensively degraded in the rumen and has low Met concentration. We studied the effects of protein supplementation and source on milk production, rumen fermentation, N use, and mammary AA utilization. The treatments were unsupplemented control diet, and isonitrogenously given rapeseed meal (RSM), processed (dehulled, flaked, and heated) fava bean without (TFB) or with rumen-protected (RP) Met (TFB+). All diets consisted of 50% grass silage and 50% cereal-based concentrate including studied protein supplement. The control diet had 15% of crude protein and protein-supplemented diets 18%. Rumen-protected Met in TFB+ corresponded to 15 g/d of Met absorbed in the small intestine. Experimental design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with 3-wk periods. The experiment was conducted using 12 multiparous mid-lactation Nordic Red cows, of which 4 were rumen cannulated. Protein supplementation increased dry matter intake (DMI), and milk (31.9 vs. 30.7 kg/d) and milk component yields. Substituting RSM with TFB or TFB+ decreased DMI and AA intake but increased starch intake. There were no differences in milk yield or composition between RSM diet and TFB diets. Rumen-protected Met did not affect DMI, or milk or milk component yields but increased milk protein concentration in comparison to TFB. There were no differences in rumen fermentation except for increased ammonium-N concentration with the protein-supplemented diets. Nitrogen-use efficiency for milk production was lower for the supplemented diets versus control diet but tended to be greater for TFB and TFB+ versus RSM. Protein supplementation increased plasma essential AA concentration but there were no differences between TFB diets and RSM. Rumen-protected Met clearly increased plasma Met concentration (30.8 vs. 18.2 µmol/L) but did not affect other AA. Absence of differences between RSM and TFB in milk production together with limited effects of RP Met suggest that TFB is a potential alternative protein source for dairy cattle.

A curious case of confusion

A curious case of confusion

Daily Dietary Supplementation with Steamed Soybean Improves Muscle Volume and Strength in Healthy People Lacking Exercise.

Various dietary protein supplements are used by the elderly and bedridden to maintain their skeletal muscle mass and functions. High-quality proteins act as an anabolic driver and help to improve muscle strength and performance. Previously, we reported that soy protein significantly attenuates denervation-induced loss of muscle mass and myofiber cross sectional area in mice with inhibition of ubiquitination and degradation of IRS-1 in tibialis anterior muscle. It also increased muscle volume and strength in bedridden patients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary soybean supplementation on muscle functions in taxi drivers lacking vigorous physical exercise. We conducted a case-control study on 25 healthy, male taxi drivers between the ages of 36 and 71 y performing minimal physical exercise. They were divided into two dietary groups: the soybean diet group (n=13) who ate daily meals (dinner) supplemented with 50 g of steamed soybean for 30 d and the control diet group (n=12) who received no soybean supplement. Next, we measured the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle strength and function in both the groups before and after 30 d of soybean intake. The body weights of both diet groups did not differ significantly over time. However, after 30 d of soybean supplementation, the soybean-fed group developed significantly higher muscle CSA and grip strength compared to the control groups. In conclusion, dietary soybean supplementation improved muscle function in taxi drivers who lacked exercise.

Assessing the Effects of Dietary Protein Supplementation on Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Sarcopenia, an age-associated skeletal muscle disorder characterized by muscle loss, is associated with disability in elderly populations. This literature review summarizes the impact of protein intake and supplementation on the indicators of severe sarcopenia-muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function in community-dwelling older adults. We performed a literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and MedLine, and included studies that evaluated the effects of protein intake with or without exercise intervention and on sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Information regarding study participants, protein intervention, and sarcopenia-related outcomes were collected. Protein supplementation with or without exercise positively improves muscle mass, and aspects of muscle strength and physical function in sarcopenic and pre-frail older adults, while it elicited inconclusive effects in healthy populations. Greater dietary animal-based and soy-based protein diets can improve muscle mass in older adults. In conclusion, protein supplementation can improve muscle mass and reduce the risk of sarcopenia in sarcopenia and pre-frail older adults, while future studies should continue to investigate the effects of protein supplementation on indicators of sarcopenia in healthy older adults.

Effect of dietary protein lowering and supplementation of peppermint extract on yield, carcass, blood parameters and microbial population of broiler chickens

Effect of dietary protein lowering and supplementation of peppermint extract on yield, carcass, blood parameters and microbial population of broiler chickens

Evaluation of Processing Methods for Increased Utilization of Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens) as an Alternative Protein Supplement in Diets for Lactating Crossbred Dairy Cows Maintained on Smallholder Farms in Zambia

This study aimed to evaluate processing methods of velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) as a protein supplement in concentrates for cross-bred dairy cows on smallholder farms in Zambia. The beans were harvested by pulling entire plants after drying in the field, and divided into three portions; (i) whole crop consisting of vines, pods and grains; (ii) unshelled pods only, and (iii) grain only. Each portion was ground to pass through a 2mm screen before using it to make concentrate for the feeding trial. Prior to preparation of rations, samples from each portion were collected for determination of nutrient composition. Each ration was fed to a group of crossbreed milking cows maintained a farm to monitor performance. Chemical composition analysis showed that shelled grains had more nutrients than the pods and vines. Milking cows readily accepted all the prepared rations, and maintained constant milk production throughout the study period. None of the animals on the trial exhibited any sign of ill health.This showed that velvet beans could be fed to milking cows by incorporating ground pods with other ingredients without adversely affecting animal health or milk production.