Microflora derived whey protein compared to dairy-derived whey protein on muscular adaptations to lower limb resistance training in healthy young adults

Lau, Ka Wan Karen (2025). Microflora derived whey protein compared to dairy-derived whey protein on muscular adaptations to lower limb resistance training in healthy young adults. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Background:
Individuals and athletes alike require a higher habitual protein intake to support muscular adaptations in response to resistance training (RT). Many non-animal protein alternatives are typically associated with reduced anabolic potential, compared to animal derived protein sources. With the rising popularity of animal-free diets, researchers are faced with the challenge of investigating novel protein alternatives that are more sustainable. Microflora derived whey protein has a similar composition to traditional dairy, promising a lower carbon footprint and more efficient production process, relative to traditional dairy derived whey. Research to date has not yet revealed whether a novel microflora derived whey protein alternative can comparatively support muscular adaptations to RT.

Aims:
This study aimed to compare muscular adaptations following the ingestion of microflora derived non animal whey protein, against an animal derived whey protein.

Methods:
In a randomised double blinded control trial, 23 healthy young adults (23 ± 5 yr), were allocated to receive either microflora derived whey or a dairy whey supplement. Participants completed a high load (>60% 1RM) lower body focussed resistance training program, three times a week, for 8 weeks. Ultrasonography to evaluate muscle architecture, and muscle strength (isokinetic knee extension and 1RM strength for each exercise) were recorded at baseline, week 5, and week 8 post intervention. Measures of 1-RM and ultrasound were analysed using 2 way repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS (version 29, IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY USA). Mean peak torque of MVC measures across both visits were analysed using a paired sample T test to evaluate statistically significant differences between test and retest values.

Results:
The results show that 1RM and MVC increased after the 8-week lower body focussed resistance training intervention. There was a statistically significant increase in MVC from baseline (389 ± 132 Nm) in group A, and (464 ± 147 Nm) in group B compared to week 8 (397 ± 101 Nm) and (484 ± 165 Nm; P<0.01) in group A and B respectively. Overall, measures of MVC demonstrated a greater increase in group B than group A. There was no significant difference in measures of muscle architecture from baseline to week 8. Measures of pennation angle showed no significant difference in group A (17 ± 3°) and group B (18 ± 3°) at week 8. Fascicle length decreased in both group A (91 ± 18mm), and group B (86 ± 7mm). Muscle thickness remained constant from baseline to week 8 in group A (27 ± 4mm), and group B (28 ± 5mm).

Conclusions:
Amongst a healthy young adult population, ingestion of microflora derived, and standard animal-based whey protein comparatively support increases in muscular strength, facilitating muscular adaptation in response to lower body focussed RT. Overall, there is evidence of a significant time effect on strength in both groups, shown by increases in MVC and 1-RM output following the training protocol for 8 weeks compared to baseline. However, no significant difference in measures of muscle architecture, as a marker of muscle hypertrophy suggests that the extent of muscular hypertrophy achieved during the study remains to be determined.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):