Research Impact: Fish-derived proteins, particularly fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), offer potential as high-quality sources of dietary protein whilst enhancing economic and environmental sustainability. In this study we worked with industry partners Bio-marine Ingredients Ireland to evaluate a Blue-Whiting Protein Hydrolysate (BWPH) for the ability to increase circulating essential amino acids in older adults and to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in vitro. Here we demonstrated that BWPH induces robust essential aminoacidaemia in older adults, albeit not to the same extent as the industry benchmark Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), due to the divergent amino acid profiles of the respective starting samples. This means that the BWPH is not as high quality as WPI. However, this can potentially be overcome by providing a greater amount of protein, which is viable as these products are comparatively cheap. Using our cell-based experimental model, we also provided preliminary evidence of the effects of BWPH on MPS and myotube growth in vitro. These findings provide a rationale for further investigations in older adults to more cogently reveal the impact of BWPH on skeletal muscle metabolism in vivo. Such studies may utilise existing measures of acute and chronic MPS, as well as whole-body net protein balance in conjunction with molecular transducers of skeletal muscle anabolism. Based on current evidence, this BWPH may offer potential as an alternative source of readily bioavailable protein to support skeletal muscle health and anabolism in older people. This has potential commercial and economic impact for our industry partner and Ireland Inc., respectively.
Lees, M.J., Nolan, D., Amigo-Benavent, M., Raleigh, C.J., Khatib, N., Harnedy-Rothwell, P., FitzGerald, R.J., Egan, B. and Carson, B.P., 2021. A Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysate Induces Postprandial Aminoacidaemia and Skeletal Muscle Anabolism in an In Vitro Cell Model Using Ex Vivo Human Serum. Nutrients, 13(2), p.647. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020647
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