Postprandial Plasma Amino Acid Responses Between Standard Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate Plus Novel Technology

Abstract

Background: Muscle mass is an important determinant of metabolic health and physical function. It has previously been demonstrated that the postprandial rise in circulating essential amino acids (EAA) acts as the main stimulus for muscle protein synthesis (MPS). This study investigated postprandial plasma amino acid (AA) responses of 2 different forms of whey protein isolate (WPI) with iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous profiles to investigate plasma concentrations of EAA. Methods: In all, 12 healthy men (n = 12) between 19 and 32 years of age were recruited for a randomized, cross-over design, which involved consumption of protein supplements on 2 testing days separated by a 6-day washout period between conditions. On each testing day, subjects consumed either 29.6 g of WPI or WPI + io (whey protein isolate plus Ingredient Optimized Protein®) mixed with 236 mL of water. Plasma EAA and branch chain amino acid (BCAA) concentrations were assessed from whole body donated by subjects at pre-consumption and 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes post consumption. Results: Plasma levels of total EAA concentration was significantly greater in WPI + io at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post consumption (P