A Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Isolated Chicken Protein as Compared to Beef Protein in Healthy Active Adults

Abstract

High-quality proteins of various sources stimulate Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS); however, less is known about the comparative bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics (PK) of typical dietary proteins. This was a prospective, randomized, pharmacokinetic, exploratory clinical trial to evaluate the amino acid bioavailability of chicken protein isolate [Chik│Pro™ (CKP)] compared to Beef Protein Isolate (BFP). Twenty-two participants were randomized to receive both proteins in a cross-over design. Participants fasted overnight for at least eight hours and in a single blind fashion consumed 25 grams protein of CKP or BFP on day 4. Venous blood samples were collected for Total Amino Acid (TAA), Essential Amino Acid (EAA), Sulfur-containing Amino Acid (SAA), leucine, and arginine analysis one hour prior to ingestion (pre-in- gestion) and post-ingestion at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Statistical analyses were performed with paired t-tests, ANOVA, and the Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test (p<0.05). Pharmacokinetic analysis was determined by mixed-model effects ANOVA. CKP produced significant increases in TAA, EAA, SAA, arginine and leucine concen - trations at 30 through 180 minutes (C30 min-C180 min) following ingestion, while BFP was only capable of this for arginine (p<0.05). Furthermore, these increases were shown to be significantly greater for CKP (p<0.05). The Maximum Concentration (Cmax), Area Under the Curve (AUC0-t), and Time of Delivery (Tmax) for EAA and leucine were significantly greater for CKP compared to BFP (p<0.05). For SAA, the CKP Cmax and AUC0-t for arginine was significantly greater than BFP (p<0.05). CKP was found to be superior to BFP in relative bioavailability for EAA, SAA, and leucine suggesting it may stimulate MPS and enhance recovery more effectively than BFP.