Work

Daily supplementation of lesser mealworm protein for 11-weeks increases skeletal muscle mass in physically active older adults

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Adequate protein intake is important to maintain skeletal muscle mass in older adults and to prevent sarcopenia. Insect-based supplements were recently introduced to the market as an environmentally friendly protein alternative. We examined the effect of daily supplementation of lesser mealworm ( Alphitobius diaperinus ) protein for 11 consecutive weeks on muscle mass and muscle strength in older adults. In this randomized controlled trial, 70 physically active older adults (>60 years) were randomly allocated to three groups: (I) lesser mealworm protein, (II) whey protein or (III) iso-caloric placebo. Participants received 11 weeks of supplements two times a day (30 gram/day). Muscle mass, fat mass, leg muscle strength and handgrip strength were measured at baseline and after 11 weeks of supplementation. Of the 70 participants, 59 completed the supplementation period (mealworm n = 16; whey n = 23; iso-caloric placebo n = 20). Overall, skeletal muscle mass increased from 29.0 ± 6.2 kg to 29.3 ± 6.1 kg, with a significantly more profound increase in the lesser mealworm group (+0.67 [0.20–1.14] kg) compared to the whey (+0.03 [-0.20 – 0.28] kg) and placebo group (+0.30 [0.03 – 0.63] kg, P group*time = 0.030). Fat mass and maximum handgrip strength decreased over time, whereas one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg muscle strength did not change pre- versus post-intervention. No group differences, nor interaction effects, were observed for fat mass, leg muscle strength and handgrip strength 11-weeks of lesser mealworm protein supplementation induced an increase in skeletal muscle mass compared to whey protein supplementation and iso-caloric placebo in physically active older adults. No differences among groups were observed for changes in muscle strength.

Source: The journal of nutrition health & aging

DOI: 10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100364

Authors: Lotte Koopmans, Marcia Spoelder, Coen C.W.G. Bongers, Thijs M.H. Eijsvogels, Maria T.E. Hopman

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, HAN University of Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Muscle metabolism and nutrition

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290