A groundbreaking new study published in ‘The British Journal of Nutrition’ on January 30, 2024, suggests that ingesting a range of non-animal-derived dietary protein sources results in differentiated postprandial plasma amino acid responses between younger and older adults. The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Exeter and collaborators, holds significant implications for the understanding of plant-based diets and their effects on protein metabolism across different age groups.
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114524000163
In an era where the conversion to plant-based diets is increasingly encouraged for both environmental and health reasons, understanding the metabolic response to these dietary changes is crucial. The study, led by Ino I. van der Heijden and a notable team including Dr. Benjamin T. Wall, Alistair J. Monteyne, and others, explored how protein from non-animal sources is processed in the body and how this may vary across the lifespan.
The Study Design
Twelve healthy young adults, split between males and females, aged approximately 22 years, and ten healthy older adults, also split between males and females, aged approximately 69 years, participated in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial. During various sessions, participants consumed 30 grams of protein from sources such as milk (as the animal-derived control), mycoprotein, pea, lupin, spirulina, and chlorella.
Researchers monitored the plasma levels of amino acids, as well as glucose and insulin, for five hours following the consumption of the proteins. Their goal was to determine if the source of protein consumed influenced these levels in the blood and if there were variations between the two age groups.
Key Findings
The findings were compelling. Following the consumption of the plant-based proteins, participants showed different plasma amino acid profiles. Particularly noteworthy was that these profiles varied significantly between younger and older individuals. The research suggests that aging may influence the way our bodies process non-animal proteins.
The results indicated that plasma total and essential amino acid concentrations increased post-protein ingestion regardless of the source. However, these increases were not uniform across the various non-animal proteins or between the two age groups.
The Role of Novel Plant- and Algae-Derived Proteins
Mycoprotein, derived from fungi, and plant proteins such as pea and lupin, along with proteins from algae like spirulina and chlorella, were all part of the study. These novel protein sources are becoming increasingly important as the world looks to more sustainable and varied forms of nutrition.
These findings could be of particular interest for formulating dietary recommendations for older adults, who often experience muscle mass and function decline—a condition known as sarcopenia—which can be combated with adequate protein intake.
Implications for Diet and Aging
The study’s implications go beyond just the understanding of dietary protein. They also have potential ramifications for public health, especially since populations globally are aging and age-related diseases are on the rise. It prompts a closer examination of the role that dietary protein sources play in maintaining muscle health and metabolic function as we age.
Public Health Significance
Inocusing on the importance of this study, Tim J. A. Finnigan from New Era Foods highlights how the research has the potential to influence guidelines for dietary protein intake, particularly when it comes to non-animal protein sources. This could affect not only individual health outcomes but also the global push for more sustainable nutrition practices.
Recommendations for Further Research
While the study provided significant insights, the authors acknowledged the need for additional research to further understand the long-term health implications of various protein sources on different age groups. Studies involving larger population samples and diverse demographics could complement these findings and help in formulating more comprehensive dietary guidelines.
References
1. van der Heijden, I. I., West, S. S., Monteyne, A. J., Finnigan, T. J. A., & Wall, B. T. (2024). Ingestion of a variety of non-animal-derived dietary protein sources results in diverse postprandial plasma amino acid responses which differ between young and older adults. The British Journal of Nutrition, 1–14. doi:10.1017/S0007114524000163
2. Murton, A. J., Stephens, F. B., & Wall, B. T. (2023). Age-related differences in the response of muscle protein synthesis to ingestion of plant compared with animal proteins. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
3. Abdelrahman, D. R., & Wall, B. T. (2022). Dietary protein and muscle in aging people: The potential role of the gut microbiome. Nutrition Reviews.
To access the full text of the article, visit the ‘The British Journal of Nutrition’ website or search for DOI: 10.1017/S0007114524000163.
Keywords
1. Plant-Based Protein Metabolism
2. Postprandial Amino Acid Response
3. Dietary Protein and Aging
4. Algae-Derived Protein Consumption
5. Non-Animal Protein Bioavailability
This detailed study offers a fresh perspective on the implications of protein source selection in the diet and its metabolic outcomes, particularly among different age groups. It underscores the need for tailored nutritional recommendations that cater to the varying metabolic capabilities and dietary requirements of younger and older adults.
