Eating insects as a protein source is an idea that is gaining popularity due to their sustainability and potential nutritional benefits. Insects have been found to have similar amino acid compositions and protein content compared to commonly consumed animal proteins, making them a potential alternative for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint. But can insect protein also stimulate muscle growth to the same extent as animal-derived protein sources?
A recent study investigated the anabolic response following mealworm protein ingestion and compared it to milk protein ingestion. The study recruited 24 healthy, recreationally active men who performed a single-legged resistance exercise session. After the exercise, the participants ingested a shake containing either 30g of milk protein or 30g of mealworm protein. Blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken over a 5-hour period to assess the blood amino acid availability as well as the acute muscle growth response at rest and after exercise.
The results showed that both mealworm and milk protein ingestion were properly digested and induced a similar increase in plasma amino acid concentrations. In addition, the muscle growth response, as measured by muscle protein synthesis rate, did not differ between both groups at rest and after exercise. This means that insect-derived proteins can be a good protein source to stimulate muscle growth, just like milk proteins.
It is also interesting to note that the amino acids that were ingested via both protein sources (milk and insects) were already incorporated into the muscle tissue within 2 hours after the protein ingestion. This indicates that the amino acids we consume are rapidly absorbed and incorporated into our bodies to support muscle growth.
Conclusion:
this study suggests that mealworm protein can be consumed to support muscle growth. The muscle growth response did not differ from milk protein, indicating that insect-derived proteins can be a viable alternative to animal-based protein sources. So, if you are not afraid of eating insect proteins or want to avoid eating animal-based protein sources, consider putting insects on the menu as a sustainable and nutritious protein source!
Reference:
Hermans WJH, Senden JM, Churchward-Venne TA, Paulussen KJM, Fuchs CJ, Smeets JSJ, et al. Insects are a viable protein source for human consumption: from insect protein digestion to postprandial muscle protein synthesis in vivo in humans: a double-blind randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(3):934-44.
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