Microalgae as an Alternative Protein Source in Human Nutrition. (MAPS)

Protein is an essential part of the human diet. But with a growing global population and climate emergency, current sources of dietary protein are unable to continue to sustainably meet the global demand. To ensure future food security, new sustainable protein sources are required. Microalgae - a group of plant-like single cells - are thought to be a good option due to their sustainable farming methods and naturally high protein content. Long term health benefits of eating microalgae have been seen in humans. However, the time directly following microalgae ingestion has not been well studied but is an important period when considering a protein source. This research will compare the period after ingestion of three preparations and/or types of microalgae to a traditional source of protein.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Nutrition, Healthy
• Intervention / Treatment: Dietary supplement: Protein shake

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 15
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United Kingdom
  • Exeter, United Kingdom
    • Exeter University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 40 years (Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 18.5 -30 kg/m2
• age 18 - 40 years
• healthy
• non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI <18.5 or >30 kg/m2
• smoker
• metabolic disease
• relevant food intolerance
• using medications known to affect metabolism

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Basic Science
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple

Number of Arms

4

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Milk protein	Dietary supplement: Protein shake; Participant will drink a protein shake made using each of the four protein types.
Experimental: Whole cell chlorella	Dietary supplement: Protein shake; Participant will drink a protein shake made using each of the four protein types.
Experimental: Cracked cell chlorella	Dietary supplement: Protein shake; Participant will drink a protein shake made using each of the four protein types.
Experimental: Spirulina	Dietary supplement: Protein shake; Participant will drink a protein shake made using each of the four protein types.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Plasma amino acids	Amino acid concentrations measured in participant plasma following the ingestion of protein drinks.	5 hours postprandial

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Exeter
• Collaborators: The University of Queensland

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): August 28, 2021
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 31, 2022
• Study Completion (Actual): May 31, 2022

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 26, 2022
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 26, 2022
• First Posted (Actual): June 2, 2022

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 23, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 22, 2024
• Last Verified: April 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: 21-07-14-A-01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No