A Prospective, Single Blind RCT to Assess the Acute Effect of Protein Rich Oral Nutritional Supplements on Serum Levels of Amino Acids in Healthy Indian Adults

Indian diets are protein deficient. Our population is physiologically predisposed to lower muscle mass. There are many protein-rich oral nutrition supplements (P-ONSs) available to support this condition. A single-blind, randomized study was designed to evaluate the acute effect of two supplements: P-ONS1 and P-ONS2 on serum amino acid (AA) levels in healthy Indian adults. Twenty-four participants were randomized to receive either P-ONS1, P-ONS2 or energy matched placebo (control), all in milk. In this three-period crossover study, after a 7-day washout, the participants crossed over to the next supplementation arm. Blood samples were collected at 0-, 15-, 30-, 60- and 90-minutes post P-ONS/placebo consumption. Serum AA levels were estimated using LC-MS and outcome parameters of Cmax (maximum serum AA concentration) and Area Under curve (AUC) were analyzed. N = 23 participants completed the study. Cmax was observed to be significantly higher for total AAs (TAAs), essential AAs (EAAs) and branched chain AAs (BCAAs) for P-ONS1 (p = 0.0009, p = 0.0245 and p = 0.0009 respectively) and P-ONS2 (p = 0.0086, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0009 respectively) versus placebo. Similarly, AUC for both P-ONS1 and P-ONS2 was significantly higher for TAAs, EAAs, BCAAs (p = 0.0305, p = 0.0133, p = 0.02 and p = 0.0163, p = 0.0017, p = 0.0007 respectively) versus placebo. This suggests significantly better absorption and bioavailability of amino acids in the serum post P-ONS1 and P-ONS2 consumption. No adverse events were reported. It may be concluded that such P-ONSs have a beneficial acute effect on serum AA levels. Long term consumption can improve quality and quantity of protein in Indian diets to support a better muscle health.