Cricket versus whey protein to build muscle
The Effect of Insect vs Animal Protein on Post-exercise Skeletal Muscle Anabolic Response and Chronic Adaption to Resistance Training
NA · University of Surrey · NCT07159919
This test will see if daily cricket protein works as well as whey protein to help build and strengthen muscle in healthy adults who already do regular resistance training.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Surrey (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Guildford, Surrey) |
| Trial ID | NCT07159919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants will be screened at the University of Surrey and then follow a supervised 12-week resistance training program while taking a daily protein supplement made from either cricket or whey protein. Researchers will measure immediate muscle anabolic responses after a bout of resistance exercise using blood samples and muscle biopsies, and will track changes in muscle mass and strength over the 12 weeks. Eligible adults must be weight-stable, have been resistance training at least three times per week for two years, and agree to provide blood and muscle tissue samples. The study compares the nutritional and functional effects of an insect-derived protein to a commonly used animal-derived protein to determine practical equivalence for muscle support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18 and older with BMI 18.5–35 who have been resistance training ≥3 times per week for at least 2 years and are willing to follow a 12-week program and provide blood and muscle samples are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes), current nicotine users, pregnant or lactating individuals, or anyone unable or unwilling to perform the required resistance training or muscle biopsies are unlikely to receive benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, cricket protein could provide a more sustainable alternative to whey for supporting muscle growth and strength.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies, including data from the investigators' group, suggest insect protein has similar digestibility to animal protein, but there are limited human data showing equivalent effects on muscle-building outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult males and females in general good health (aged 18+) * BMI between 18.5 and 35 kg/m2 * Weight stable for 3 months (± 2 kg) * Volunteers must be able and willing to give informed written consent * Volunteers must be willing to provide blood and muscle tissue samples * Volunteers must have been resistance training at least 3x per week for a minimum of 2 years * Volunteers must be willing to follow a resistance training programme and consume a daily protein supplement for 12 weeks * Not allergic to local anaesthetic Exclusion Criteria: * Injury or illness that prevents the adherence to 12 weeks resistance training and protein supplementation * Those with metabolic conditions such as diabetes * Those taking nutritional ergogenic aids (e.g. creatine, beta-alanine, sodium bicarbonate, dietary nitrate etc.) * Those smoking, using nicotine products (e.g., e-cigarettes, patches) or not abstained from these activities for more than 6 months * Pregnant or lactating (those who become pregnant during this study must notify the researchers immediately and the participant will be removed) * Volunteers with a habitual caffeine intake \>400 mg/day (more than 5 cups standard coffee) * Drug or alcohol abuse in the last 2 years * Those who are taking performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) or have previously taken PEDs in the previous 10 years * Those who do not refrain from alcohol, caffeine containing drinks (e.g., coffee, coca cola, tea, Red Bull) and strenuous exercise 12 hours before the phase 1 visit * Those with food allergies * Those following weight loss diets * Those who are vegan, vegetarian or refrain from dairy/egg consumption
Where this trial is running
Guildford, Surrey
- University of Surrey, Stag Hill Campus — Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ralph Manders, PhD — University of Surrey
- Study coordinator: James AG Rutherford, MSc
- Email: j.rutherford@surrey.ac.uk
- Phone: +447540435440
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Cricket Protein, Whey Protein, Insect protein, Sustainable nutrition, Alternative protein, Muscle anabolism, Body composition, Strength