Study on Alternative Protein Foods and Their Effects on Appetite and Metabolic Health in Adults with Normal Weight or Overweight within a Mediterranean Diet

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of foods enriched with alternative protein sources such as edible insects, microalgae, hemp, and legumes on appetite control, satiety, food preferences, and metabolic health in healthy adults and individuals with overweight. This study is part of the CIPROMED project, which aims to promote sustainable and circular food systems in the Mediterranean region. The trial includes both acute and chronic phases to assess short-term and longer-term impacts of these protein sources. In the acute phase, participants consume different protein-enriched breads in a randomized crossover design during five test sessions over five weeks. Products include breads with insect protein, microalgae, hemp, legumes, and a wheat-based control bread, all matched for energy content. The chronic phase involves following Mediterranean diets with assigned protein sources, including insect protein bread, seaweed-based burgers, or control foods, each consumed five times per week for two-month periods in a randomized order. Participants undergo assessments of satiety, hunger, food preferences, cravings, and energy intake using validated scales during the acute phase. In the chronic phase, metabolic parameters like blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, gastrointestinal symptoms, liver fat, gut microbiota, and mood are measured at baseline, two months, and four months. Safety and tolerance are monitored throughout, with a total involvement lasting approximately four months.

Sustainable and Inclusive Use of Alternative Proteins in Mediterranean Supply Chains (CIPROMED)