The Anabolic Properties of a Lipid-rich Pork Matrix

Last updated: July 11, 2025
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

84% Lean Pork

95.1% Lean Pork

96% Lean Pork

Clinical Study ID

NCT05876299
23257
  • Ages 20-50
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The amount and quality of skeletal muscle mass determines physical performance, but also a significant contributor to metabolic health. As such, the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is relevant across the lifespan to remain active in family and community life. Food ingestion, particularly protein, is one of the main anabolic to skeletal muscle tissue by stimulating muscle protein synthesis rates. There have been multiple attempts to identify specialized performance nutrition products (e.g., various isolated protein powders) to maximize the anabolic properties of dietary protein on muscle. Our research group, however, has advocated for a food focus approach to meet dietary protein requirements. Particularly, we propose that whole foods demonstrate food matrix effects (nutrient-nutrient interactions) that creates a greater anabolic action on muscle beyond what amino acids can create alone. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the anabolic properties of consuming lipid-rich pork products when compared to their leaner counter-parts. Our working hypothesis that the ingestion of 84% or 96% lean ground pork condition will stimulate a greater increase in muscle protein synthesis rates compared to an isocaloric carbohydrate beverage in healthy adults. We further hypothesize that the ingestion of 84% lean pork will augment the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis rates to a greater extent than 96% lean ground pork. To achieve our objective, we will recruit 15 healthy men and women (20-50 y) to receive prime-constant infusions to directly measure muscle protein synthesis rates before and after treatment ingestion using our lab's established methods.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 20-50 yrs

  • Pre-menopausal

  • Recreationally active

  • Weight stable for prior 6 months

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Age outside of range (20 - 50 yrs)

  • Pregnancy

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

  • Participation in previous research using [13C6]phenylalanine

  • Participation in other ongoing research that interferes with this study (e.g.,conflicting diet, activity interventions, etc.)

  • Any hospitalization or surgery for a metabolic, cardiovascular, orneuromusculoskeletal complication within the past year

  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, latex, or adhesives (bandages,medical tape, etc.)

  • Excess scarring after injury

  • History of excess bleeding after cut

  • Chronic or frequent dizziness/fainting, and arm or leg weakness/numbness

  • Arthritis

  • Tumors

  • Mental Illness

  • Hepatorenal, cardiovascular musculoskeletal, autoimmune, or neurological disease ordisorder

  • Predisposition to hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation

  • Physical activity limitations

  • Consumption of ergogenic-levels of dietary supplements that may affect muscle mass (e.g., creatine, HMB), insulin-like substances, or anabolic/catabolic pro-hormones (e.g., DHEA) within 6 weeks prior to participation

  • Consumption of thyroid, androgenic, or other medications known to affect endocrinefunction

  • Consumption of medications known to affect protein metabolism (e.g.,prescription-strength corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or acnemedication)

  • Unwillingness to comply with study procedures

  • Weight unstable (variation >5% of bodyweight in last 6-12 months)

  • Current or previous tobacco use with last 6 months

  • Obesity (body mass index; BMI > 30 kg/m^2)

  • Score of less than 14 or greater than 24 on Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time PhysicalActivity Questionnaire

  • Phenylketonuria

  • Anyone hospitalized previously for COVID-19 without a cardiovascular workupscreening for cardiovascular issues post-infection

  • Anyone recovering from COVID-19 infection within the preceding 10 days

Study Design

Total Participants: 16
Treatment Group(s): 5
Primary Treatment: 84% Lean Pork
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 15, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
April 09, 2024

Connect with a study center

  • Louise Freer Hall (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

    Urbana, Illinois 61801
    United States

    Site Not Available

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