Vegan Whey Protein for Muscle Anabolism and Post-Exercise Recovery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of ingesting vegan-friendly whey protein on muscle anabolism and recovery following damaging eccentric resistance exercise.
IRAS ID
321730
Contact name
Leigh Breen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Park, University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 5 days
Research summary
This study will be a randomised, double-blind trial where participants will be randomly assigned to consume either a i) vegan whey protein; ii) whey protein; or iii) a non-protein carbohydrate control supplement for 3 days following strenuous eccentric knee extension exercise. For the duration of the study period, participants will orally consume deuterated water stable isotope tracer (D2O). This, together with repeated blood sampling and muscle biopsies will allow for the calculation of free-living myofibrillar protein synthesis rates under conditions of rest and over 24-, 48- and 72-hours post-exercise recovery
A total of 36 participants will be recruited. All participants will be healthy (non-obese, non-diabetic, non-smoking) young male and female individuals aged 18-40, who are recreationally active. Permitting eligibility and willingness, participants will be randomly assigned to consume either a i) vegan whey protein (n = 12); ii) whey protein (n = 12); or iii) a non-protein carbohydrate control supplement (n = 12) for 3 days following strenuous eccentric knee extension exercise. We will aim to recruit an even number of male and females, where each treatment group will comprise 6 male and 6 female participants. This study will aim to understand how the ingestion of a vegan whey protein supplement influences myofibrillar protein synthesis rates, muscle anabolic signalling and the recovery of muscle strength and function in response to a bout of resistance exercise, compared to ingestion of whey protein and a non-protein carbohydrate control.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0117
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion