Protein Boosts Thermogenic Activity

MAASTRICHT, Netherlands—Greater protein intake boosts thermogenic activity in the body by impacting hormone secretions, according to a new study in Metabolism (2007; 56(8):1051-59). Researchers from Maastricht University and the Kerry Group Nutrition Technical Center used a single-blind crossover study to examine the impact of soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) with and without a carbohydrate pre- and afterload on energy metabolism and hormonal secretion in eight healthy adults; follow-up work compared the effects of pea protein hydrolysate (PPH) to SPH with a carb afterload. Subjects consumed 0.4 g protein and/or carb per kilogram of body weight.

SPH consumption caused a higher diet-induced thermogenic (DIT) response than carb consumption; soy consumption induced a glucagon response, but no glucose response, while carb consumption had the opposite effect. PPH with carb afterload induced higher insulin and glucagon responses than SPH with carb afterload; however, DIT was similar in both cases. The researchers concluded protein’s greater thermogenic effect, compared to carb consumption, may be linked to the glucagon response. In addition, protein ingestion may blunt the plasma glucose increase associated with consuming carbs after protein.

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