The Anabolic Properties of a Lipid-rich Pork Matrix

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · May 16, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how different types of pork products, specifically those that are high in fat, affect muscle protein synthesis, which is the process your body uses to build and maintain muscle. The researchers believe that consuming these lipid-rich pork products might help muscles grow more effectively than leaner pork or a carbohydrate drink. The study aims to find out if eating 84% lean pork leads to a greater increase in muscle protein synthesis compared to eating 96% lean pork.

To participate, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 20 and 50 years who is active and has maintained a stable weight for the past six months. You should not be pregnant or have certain medical conditions, and you should not have participated in similar research recently. If you join the study, you'll receive special infusions to help measure how well your muscles are responding before and after you eat the pork products. This research could provide valuable insights into how whole foods can support muscle health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 20-50 yrs
• • Pre-menopausal
• • Recreationally active
• • Weight stable for prior 6 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age outside of range (20 - 50 yrs)
• • Pregnancy
• • Irregular menstrual cycles
• • Participation in previous research using \[13C6\]phenylalanine
• • Participation in other ongoing research that interferes with this study (e.g., conflicting diet, activity interventions, etc.)
• • Any hospitalization or surgery for a metabolic, cardiovascular, or neuromusculoskeletal complication within the past year
• • Allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, latex, or adhesives (bandages, medical tape, etc.)
• • Excess scarring after injury
• • History of excess bleeding after cut
• • Chronic or frequent dizziness/fainting, and arm or leg weakness/numbness
• • Arthritis
• • Tumors
• • Mental Illness
• • Hepatorenal, cardiovascular musculoskeletal, autoimmune, or neurological disease or disorder
• • Predisposition to hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation
• • Physical activity limitations
• • Consumption of ergogenic-levels of dietary supplements that may affect muscle mass (e.g., creatine, HMB), insulin-like substances, or anabolic/catabolic pro-hormones (e.g., DHEA) within 6 weeks prior to participation
• • Consumption of thyroid, androgenic, or other medications known to affect endocrine function
• • Consumption of medications known to affect protein metabolism (e.g., prescription-strength corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or acne medication)
• • Unwillingness to comply with study procedures
• • Weight unstable (variation \>5% of bodyweight in last 6-12 months)
• • Current or previous tobacco use with last 6 months
• • Obesity (body mass index; BMI \> 30 kg/m\^2)
• • Score of less than 14 or greater than 24 on Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire
• • Phenylketonuria
• • Anyone hospitalized previously for COVID-19 without a cardiovascular workup screening for cardiovascular issues post-infection
• • Anyone recovering from COVID-19 infection within the preceding 10 days