Beta-lactoglobulin, Immobilisation and Muscle Protein Synthesis

Effect of Beta-lactoglobulin Supplementation on the Response of Muscle Protein Synthesis During Limb Immobilisation in Healthy Young Adults

The objectives of this study are to: Establish whether combined β-lactoglobulin supplementation and resistance training for 1 week prior to 5 days of limb immobilisation will attenuate the decrease in integrated free-living rates of MPS during short-term muscle disuse. Establish whether combined β-lactoglobulin supplementation and resistance training for 1 week prior to limb immobilisation will attenuate the decrease in muscle mass and strength during short-term muscle disuse.

The objectives of this study are to: Establish whether combined β-lactoglobulin supplementation and resistance training for 1 week prior to 5 days of limb immobilisation will attenuate the decrease in integrated free-living rates of MPS during short-term muscle disuse. Establish whether combined β-lactoglobulin supplementation and resistance training for 1 week prior to limb immobilisation will attenuate the decrease in muscle mass and strength during short-term muscle disuse. Hypotheses Combining β-lactoglobulin and resistance training for 1 wk prior to 5 d of limb immobilisation will attenuate the decrease in integrated muscle protein synthesis, muscle fibre CSA, quadriceps muscle strength, and leg lean mass during muscle disuse. Combining β-lactoglobulin and resistance training for 1 wk prior to 5 d of limb immobilisation will attenuate the decrease in muscle fibre CSA, quadriceps muscle strength, and leg lean mass during muscle disuse.

Beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) will be administered thrice daily during a 7 day period of prehabilitation and 5 day period of immobilisation when the leg is placed in a brace.

Carbohydrate (dextrose monohydrate) will be administered thrice daily during a 7 day period of prehabilitation and 5 day period of immobilisation when the leg is placed in a brace.

Inclusion Criteria: Male and female Aged 18-45 years Healthy Physically active (≥150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week OR 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week) Eumenorrheic and not taking any hormonal birth control (females) Exclusion Criteria: Dairy allergy or intolerance Lower limb injury or surgery in the last 6 months, Lower limb osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal disorder A musculoskeletal or blood blotting disorder An allergy to local anaesthetic Currently pregnant Current use of blood thinning medications Volunteers that take part in structured resistance exercise training Taking supplements considered to be anabolic to skeletal muscle (protein supplements, creatine, or omega-3 supplements) Consuming more than 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass per day in their habitual diet. Volunteers involved in other studies at the time of enrolment Volunteers who have taken part in a tracer study in the past 18 months If without an understanding of verbal or written English Volunteers with a history of eating disorders

Data will be presented in form of peer reviewed manuscript. While individual data will be presented, these data will not be identifiable to other researchers.