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Insect vs Animal Protein for Building Muscle
Sponsor: University of Surrey
Summary
This research is being carried out to investigate the potential of insects (crickets) as a sustainable protein source for supporting human muscle tissue by comparing cricket protein to a commonly used animal protein (whey). Insects have been used as protein source for many years in East-Asian and African cultures. More recently the interest in this potential protein source has been growing in Western countries due to the negative environmental impact of producing animal foods and the increased awareness of animal welfare issues in the food chain. Insects are a more sustainable protein source, requiring less land, water and feed, and producing less carbon emissions (greenhouse gases) compared to farming livestock (e.g. cows, pigs, chickens etc.) However, up until now there is no clear evidence that insect-derived protein has the same nutritional properties as animal-derived protein. Recent data from our research group indicates that there appears to be no difference in the digestibility of an insect protein compared to a traditional animal protein amongst younger, middle-aged and older adults. The investigators now want to explore the potential of insect protein to increase muscle mass and strength.
Official title: The Effect of Insect vs Animal Protein on Post-exercise Skeletal Muscle Anabolic Response and Chronic Adaption to Resistance Training
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
34
Start Date
2025-09
Completion Date
2027-01
Last Updated
2025-09-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
protein supplement
Cricket protein incorporated into a whole-food source (dough balls) to be consumed once after an acute bout of resistance exercise and then consumed daily for 12 weeks alongside regular resistance training.
protein supplement
Whey protein incorporated into a whole-food source (dough balls) to be consumed once after an acute bout of resistance exercise and then consumed daily for 12 weeks alongside regular resistance training.
Locations (1)
University of Surrey, Stag Hill Campus
Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom