Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein

Abstract

BackgroundThe effects of protein supplementation on muscle thickness and strength seem largely dependent on its composition. The current study aimed at comparing the impact of an oral supplementation with vegetable Pea protein (NUTRALYS®) vs. Whey protein and Placebo on biceps brachii muscle thickness and strength after a 12-week resistance training program.MethodsOne hundred and sixty one males, aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled in the study and underwent 12 weeks of resistance training on upper limb muscles. According to randomization, they were included in the Pea protein (n = 53), Whey protein (n = 54) or Placebo (n = 54) group. All had to take 25 g of the proteins or placebo twice a day during the 12-week training period. Tests were performed on biceps muscles at inclusion (D0), mid (D42) and post training (D84). Muscle thickness was evaluated using ultrasonography, and strength was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer.ResultsResults showed a significant time effect for biceps brachii muscle thickness (P < 0.0001). Thickness increased from 24.9 ± 3.8 mm to 26.9 ± 4.1 mm and 27.3 ± 4.4 mm at D0, D42 and D84, respectively, with only a trend toward significant differences between groups (P = 0.09). Performing a sensitivity study on the weakest participants (with regards to strength at inclusion), thickness increases were significantly different between groups (+20.2 ± 12.3%, +15.6 ± 13.5% and +8.6 ± 7.3% for Pea, Whey and Placebo, respectively; P < 0.05). Increases in thickness were significantly greater in the Pea group as compared to Placebo whereas there was no difference between Whey and the two other conditions. Muscle strength also increased with time with no statistical difference between groups.ConclusionsIn addition to an appropriate training, the supplementation with pea protein promoted a greater increase of muscle thickness as compared to Placebo and especially for people starting or returning to a muscular strengthening. Since no difference was obtained between the two protein groups, vegetable pea proteins could be used as an alternative to Whey-based dietary products.Trial registrationThe present trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02128516).

Protein Supplementation Does Not Affect Myogenic Adaptations to Resistance Training

“…In comparison, 5 other studies demonstrated equivalent increases in vastus lateralis myofiber CSA in protein supplemented treatments [whey protein (n=3), milk (n=1) or EAA (n=1)] and carbohydrate placebo treatments (6, 9, 23, 31, 32). In addition, studies utilizing MRI of the biceps (10) or latissimus dorsi (33) and ultrasound (3, 4, 22, 23, 48) of the thigh muscles have clearly shown the same pattern; no effect of protein supplementation (whey) to enhance vastus lateralis muscle hypertrophy. Given these findings, it is no surprise that only one study on protein supplementation showed an enhancement of strength, even though myofiber CSA was not different with protein supplementation (9).…”

The impact of protein quality on the promotion of resistance exercise-induced changes in muscle mass

“…Thus, the data are limited and a firm conclusion is hard to form regarding an advantage to supplementation with whey protein over other protein sources. Since the publication of this meta-analysis [ 16 ] there have been studies published in which whey protein has been compared to soy protein [ 15 ], pea protein [ 63 ], and rice protein [ 64 ].…”

“…Babault and colleagues [ 63 ] conducted a study in young men consuming either a placebo, pea protein, or whey protein. This study was a large-scale trial in which 137 subjects were included for analysis ( n = 47, 46, and 44, respectively for the placebo, pea protein, and whey protein concentrate supplemented group).…”

<p>Whey protein supplementation and muscle mass: current perspectives</p>

“…Therefore, whereas the DIAAS for milk, eggs and beef are well above 100%, plant-derived proteins generally score well below 80%. Nonetheless, some protein extracts obtained from soy, 27 rice 28 or pea 29 have demonstrated scores closer or above 100%. Figure 1 indicates that when the same amount of protein is consumed, whey isolate extracts provide more IAA, including leucine, compared with other animal (casein, egg, beef, insect or bovine colostrum) and plant (hemp, pea, brown rice) protein products.…”