Clinical Research Directory

Comparing High-Protein and Low-Protein Multi-Ingredient Supplements for Body Composition and Performance in Elite Rugby Players

The purpose of this 12-week study is to compare the effects of two different post-exercise nutritional supplements on the body composition and exercise performance of elite male university rugby players. Athletes often consume very high amounts of protein to build muscle and recover, but excessive protein intake might pose potential health risks. Study Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesize that a multi-ingredient supplement with a lower total protein content (about 20 grams) will yield comparable or even superior improvements in body composition and physical performance compared to a standard high-dose whey protein supplement (40 grams). Study Design: Twenty elite male college rugby players will be randomly divided into two equal groups. One group will receive the high-dose whey protein, while the other group will receive the lower-dose multi-ingredient supplement (which includes protein, leucine, creatine, red amaranth, and elderberry). Participants will consume their assigned supplement immediately after their training sessions, four times a week for 12 weeks. Assessments: Before and after the 12-week intervention, the researchers will measure the participants' body composition (muscle and fat mass), maximum muscle strength, power, agility, and aerobic endurance. The overall goal is to determine if athletes can achieve optimal performance and muscle growth with a lower, more efficient protein intake strategy.

Insect vs Animal Protein for Building Muscle

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.

Effects of Rehabilitation and Supplementation With Hydrolyzed Collagen vs. Whey Protein on the Cardiopulmonary, Renal, Muscular, and Immunohematological Response of COPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induces a severe loss of muscle strength and mass, in addition to reflecting significant pulmonary changes and causing cardiovascular, immunohematological, and renal alterations. In this regard, strategies capable of restoring or at least slowing the loss of muscle strength and mass are highly desirable. In this context, in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation with aerobic and strength exercises, supplementation with whey protein has been considered the gold standard for promoting muscle strength and mass gain in athletes. However, the potential effects of whey protein supplementation in patients with COPD remain unclear, which constitutes one of the objectives of the present study. A high percentage of elderly individuals present with lactose intolerance, milk protein allergies, or discomfort caused by components such as albumin, lactoferrin, casein, and alpha- and beta-globulin, making whey protein supplementation prohibitive for many elderly individuals, including those with COPD. Conversely, supplementation with collagen, particularly hydrolyzed collagen, offers a "pre-digested" protein option free from typical milk proteins. Additionally, the food industry has developed low molecular weight hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which may render such products hypoallergenic. To investigate these effects, 320 individuals aged 45 to 80 years with mild, moderate, severe, or very severe COPD (as defined by GOLD COPD 2025 criteria) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to four groups: Control Group (GC; subjected only to pre- and post-assessments; mild COPD n = 20; moderate COPD n = 20; severe COPD n = 20; very severe COPD n = 20), Whey Supplemented Group (GW; supplemented with whey protein; mild COPD n = 20; moderate COPD n = 20; severe COPD n = 20; very severe COPD n = 20), Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplemented Group (GH; supplemented with hydrolyzed collagen; mild COPD n = 20; moderate COPD n = 20; severe COPD n = 20; very severe COPD n = 20), and Rehabilitation Group (GR; subjected to rehabilitation; mild COPD n = 20; moderate COPD n = 20; severe COPD n = 20; very severe COPD n = 20). As outlined in the objectives and methodology of the project, the primary goals are to evaluate: (1) the effects of whey protein and (2) the effects of low molecular weight hydrolyzed collagen on pulmonary, cardiovascular, immunohematological, muscular, and renal parameters. The supplementation period will span three months, with evaluations conducted at baseline and after the supplementation period. Statistical analyses will be performed using the paired Student's t-test for intragroup comparisons and the unpaired Student's t-test for intergroup comparisons. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.