Clinical Research Directory

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.