Prandial Metabolic Phenotyping in Sarcopenic Older Adults Comparing Plant Based and Whey Based Protein

Overview

The study will be conducted in sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults, stratified into different age categories. A sip feeding model will be used as it is a good model to establish the anabolic capacity of meals {Jonker, 2018, 17-31}. We hypothesize that plant-based protein induces less protein anabolism, due to lower production of EAA and higher production of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) as compared to dairy protein. The NEAA kinetics will be different between the plant proteins as soy protein has relative high levels of the NEAA arginine {Deutz, 1998, 2435-45} and Pea protein of aspartate/glutamate {Salles, 2021 #16377}. Our results will guide future nutritional advice on replacing daily protein with plant based proteins while keeping the overall effects on metabolism comparable for both the EAA and NEAA.

The study will take place at the research facility of the Center for Translational Research on Aging and Longevity (CTRAL), Texas A&M University located in the Human Clinical Research Building) affiliated with Texas A&M University. The study involves 1 screening visit of approx. 3 hours, and 4 study days. Some study procedures (e.g., body composition, skeletal muscle function, questionnaires) may be skipped if completed within the past 3 months at CTRAL. All data will be recorded in Case Report Form and stored in the Texas A&M REDCap System. Inclusion criteria: 50-95 years old, stable body weight for the past 3 months, ability to walk, sit down, and stand up, willingness to lay supine in bed for up to 6 hours. Exclusion criteria: Established diagnosis and active treatment of chronic disease: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, active malignancy, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, Asthma (moderate to severe), Hep (A,B, or C), known allergy to any of the components of the feeding (soy, pea, or whey – dairy), established daily diet of vegetarian / vegan composition, or any condition according to the PI or nurse that was found during the screening visit, that would interfere with the study or safety of the patient.