No differences in muscle protein synthesis rates following ingestion of wheat protein, milk protein, and their protein blend in healthy, young males

P.J.M. Pinckaers, I.W.K. Kouw, F.K. Hendriks, J.M.X. van Kranenburg, L.C.P.G.M. de Groot, L.B. Verdijk, T. Snijders, L.J.C. van Loon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Plant-derived proteins have been suggested to have less anabolic properties when compared with animal-derived proteins. Whether blends of plant- and animal-derived proteins can compensate for their lesser anabolic potential has not been assessed. The present study compares post-prandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of milk protein with wheat protein or a blend of wheat plus milk protein in healthy, young males. In a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group design, 36 males (23 (sd 3) years) received a primed continuous L-[ring-C-13(6)]-phenylalanine infusion after which they ingested 30 g milk protein (MILK), 30 g wheat protein (WHEAT) or a 30 g blend combining 15 g wheat plus 15 g milk protein (WHEAT+MILK). Blood and muscle biopsies were collected frequently for 5 h to assess post-prandial plasma amino acid profiles and subsequent myofibrillar protein synthesis rates. Ingestion of protein increased myofibrillar protein synthesis rates in all treatments (P < 0 center dot 001). Post-prandial myofibrillar protein synthesis rates did not differ between MILK v. WHEAT (0 center dot 053 (sd 0 center dot 013) v. 0 center dot 056 (sd 0 center dot 012) %center dot h(-1), respectively; t test P = 0 center dot 56) or between MILK v. WHEAT+MILK (0 center dot 053 (sd 0 center dot 013) v. 0 center dot 059 (sd 0 center dot 025) %center dot h(-1), respectively; t test P = 0 center dot 46). In conclusion, ingestion of 30 g milk protein, 30 g wheat protein or a blend of 15 g wheat plus 15 g milk protein increases muscle protein synthesis rates in young males. Furthermore, muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of 30 g milk protein do not differ from rates observed after ingesting 30 g wheat protein or a blend with 15 g milk plus 15 g wheat protein in healthy, young males.
Original languageEnglish
Article number0007114521000635
Pages (from-to)1832-1842
Number of pages11
JournalBritish Journal of Nutrition
Volume126
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Muscle protein synthesis
  • Plant-based proteins
  • Dairy
  • Protein blends
  • Fractional synthesis rate
  • Young healthy males
  • RESISTANCE EXERCISE
  • SKELETAL-MUSCLE
  • IN-VIVO
  • OLDER
  • LEUCINE
  • REST
  • STIMULATION
  • ANABOLISM
  • CASEIN
  • BIOPSY

Cite this