Mycoprotein represents a bioavailable and insulinotropic non-animal-derived dietary protein source: a dose–response study

Abstract

The anabolic potential of a dietary protein is determined by its ability to elicit postprandial rises in circulating essential amino acids and insulin. Minimal data exist regarding the bioavailability and insulinotropic effects of non-animal-derived protein sources. Mycoprotein is a sustainable and rich source of non-animal-derived dietary protein. We investigated the impact of mycoprotein ingestion, in a dose-response manner, on acute postprandial hyperaminoacidaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. In all, twelve healthy young men completed five experimental trials in a randomised, single-blind, cross-over design. During each trial, volunteers consumed a test drink containing either 20 g milk protein (MLK20) or a mass matched (not protein matched due to the fibre content) bolus of mycoprotein (20 g; MYC20), a protein matched bolus of mycoprotein (40 g; MYC40), 60 g (MYC60) or 80 g (MYC80) mycoprotein. Circulating amino acid, insulin and uric acid concentrations, and clinical chemistry profiles, were assessed in arterialised venous blood samples during a 4-h postprandial period. Mycoprotein ingestion resulted in slower but more sustained hyperinsulinaemia and hyperaminoacidaemia compared with milk when protein matched, with overall bioavailability equivalent between conditions (P > 0·05). Increasing the dose of mycoprotein amplified these effects, with some evidence of a plateau at 60-80 g. Peak postprandial leucine concentrations were 201 (SEM 24) (30 min), 118 (SEM 10) (90 min), 150 (SEM 14) (90 min), 173 (SEM 23) (45 min) and 201 (SEM 21 (90 min) µmol/l for MLK20, MYC20, MYC40, MYC60 and MYC80, respectively. Mycoprotein represents a bioavailable and insulinotropic dietary protein source. Consequently, mycoprotein may be a useful source of dietary protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis rates.

Effects of mycoprotein on glycaemic control and energy intake in humans: a systematic review

“…Glycaemic control was defined as blood glucose and insulin AUC or incremental AUC. In addition, for one study (29) , mean glucose levels (mmol/l) were reported at fasting (0 h), early (0-2 h) and late (2-4 h) postprandial stages. Energy intake was defined as acute energy intake (≤5 h post-ingestion) which included ad libitum meal and as short-term energy intake (>5 h post-ingestion) which included food diaries.…”

“…In total, three randomised controlled and crossover trials assessed glycaemic control. Two studies (28,29) were conducted in healthy (no chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes), overweight (BMI 25-29•9 kg/m 2 ) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) adults and one study (27) with healthy lean (BMI 18•5-24•9 kg/m 2 ) adults. Two studies were conducted using mycoprotein as liquid (27,29) , whereas one used mycoprotein as solid (28) .…”

“…Two studies (28,29) were conducted in healthy (no chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes), overweight (BMI 25-29•9 kg/m 2 ) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) adults and one study (27) with healthy lean (BMI 18•5-24•9 kg/m 2 ) adults. Two studies were conducted using mycoprotein as liquid (27,29) , whereas one used mycoprotein as solid (28) . The amounts of mycoprotein ranged from 20 to 132 g. The controls used were chicken (28) , soya-based protein (27) and milk protein (29) drink.…”

“…Two studies were conducted using mycoprotein as liquid (27,29) , whereas one used mycoprotein as solid (28) . The amounts of mycoprotein ranged from 20 to 132 g. The controls used were chicken (28) , soya-based protein (27) and milk protein (29) drink. All three studies assessed insulin AUC and two studies assessed glucose AUC (27,28) .…”

“…All three studies assessed insulin AUC and two studies assessed glucose AUC (27,28) . One study assessed mean glucose levels at fasting, early (0-2 h) and late (2-4 h) postprandial state (29) . Table 4 shows the effect of mycoprotein on energy intake and appetite.…”