AUTHOR=Teixeira Filipe J. , Matias Catarina N. , Faleiro João , Giro Rita , Pires Joana , Figueiredo Helena , Carvalhinho Raquel , Monteiro Cristina P. , Reis Joana F. , Valamatos Maria J. , Teixeira Vítor H. , Schoenfeld Brad J. 

TITLE=A Novel Plant-Based Protein Has Similar Effects Compared to Whey Protein on Body Composition, Strength, Power, and Aerobic Performance in Professional and Semi-Professional Futsal Players

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.934438

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2022.934438

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=Introduction: The effects of dietary protein on body composition and physical performance seemingly depend on the essential amino acid profile of the given protein source, although controversy exists whether animal protein sources may possess additional anabolic properties to plant-based protein sources.
Purpose: To compare the effects of a novel plant-based protein matrix and whey protein supplementation on body composition, strength, power, and endurance performance of trained futsal players.
Methods: Fifty male futsal players were followed during 8 weeks of supplementation, with forty completing the study either with plant-based protein (N=20) or whey protein (N=20). The following measures were assessed: bone mineral content, lean body mass, and fat mass; muscle thickness of the rectus femoris; total body water; blood glucose, hematocrit, C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate; salivary cortisol; maximal strength and 1-RM testing of the back squat and bench press exercises; muscle power and countermovement jump; VO2max and maximal aerobic speed. Subjects were asked to maintain regular dietary habits and record dietary intake every 4 weeks through three-day food records.
Results: No differences in any variable were observed between groups at baseline or pre- to post-intervention. Moreover, no time*group interaction was observed in any of the studied variables, and a time effect was only observed regarding fat mass reduction.
Conclusions: No differences were found when supplementing either a novel plant-based protein matrix or whey protein on any of the variables assessed in high-level futsal players over an 8-week study period. These results suggest that whey protein does not possess any unique anabolic properties over and above those of plant-based proteins when equated for essential amino acid profile in the population studied. Furthermore, when consuming a daily protein intake >1.6 g/kg BW.day-1, additional protein supplementation does not affect body composition or performance in trained futsal players, regardless of protein type/source.