Mycoprotein as the Basis of a Sustainable Diet to Support Muscle Mass Maintenance and Reconditioning in Older Adults.

A hallmark of ageing is loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). Sarcopenia is explained, partially, by reduced responsiveness of muscle to dietary protein. This 'anabolic resistance' can be overcome by consuming protein in close proximity to exercise and/or adequate amounts across the day. Consequently, there is momentum for a greater protein RDA for older individuals. Concurrently, there is a need to establish an evidence base for the efficacy of non-animal proteins. Mycoprotein is a sustainable non-animal derived protein that imposes a significantly lower environmental burden than animal sources. Our previous work suggests that mycoprotein has the potential to support muscle tissue remodelling to a similar extent as animal derived protein sources. The study will employ a deuterium oxide tracer to quantify muscle protein synthesis over a period of three days in response to a vegan diet or animal based diet, alongside daily unilateral resistance exercise in older adults.