A groundbreaking study from the University of Exeter demonstrates that mycoprotein, a high-fiber fungi-based protein best known as Quorn, is just as effective for muscle growth during resistance training as animal protein.
The study is timely as a growing number of adults are shifting towards meat-free diets.
The research involved a two-phase randomized trial. In the first phase, 16 healthy young adults were put on a three-day diet, sourcing their protein either from an omnivorous or a vegan diet rich in mycoprotein.
The second phase involved 22 healthy young adults in a 10-week high-volume progressive resistance training program, again with either an omnivorous or vegan diet rich in mycoprotein.
Both groups showed comparable gains in muscle mass and strength.
Those on the high-protein omnivorous diet gained 2.6 kg of whole-body lean mass, while the group on the vegan mycoprotein-rich diet gained 3.1 kg.
The size of the thigh muscles in both groups increased by 8.3% over the trial period.
Earlier studies had shown mycoprotein to be effective in building muscle and maintaining muscle tissue in older adults.
This latest research is the first to directly compare mycoprotein with animal proteins over an extended 10-week period.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Alistair Monteyne, who conducted the study, commented:
“Our study demonstrates that mycoprotein is comparable to animal proteins in terms of its ability to facilitate increases in muscle mass and strength in young adults who are regularly engaging in resistance training.”
Tim Finnigan, Scientific Advisor for Quorn Foods, added that the study validates mycoprotein as a complete, high-quality protein with proven health benefits.
Implications for Public Health and Climate Change
The findings support the broader adoption of plant-based proteins, as it’s been identified as one of three ‘super leverage points’ for climate change mitigation by reducing emissions from livestock farming.
“At a time when more people are advised to consume less meat for health and environmental reasons, the availability of a scientifically-proven meat-free protein that can build muscle mass comparably to animal-derived protein is positive,” said Finnigan.
The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition and contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of alternative proteins for health and sustainability.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about exercise that is vital to improving longevity in older people, and this dieting method could help increase longevity.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies about vaccine that can block COVID-19 and variants, plus other coronaviruses, and results showing this type of exercise may slow down bone aging.
The study was published in The Journal of Nutrition.
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