Effect of Cod Residual Protein Supplementation on Markers of Glucose Regulation in Lean Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Study

Abstract

Large quantities of protein-rich cod residuals, which are currently discarded, could be utilized for human consumption. Although fish fillet intake is related to beneficial health effects, little is known about the potential health effects of consuming cod residual protein powder. Fifty lean adults were randomized to consume capsules with 8.1 g/day of cod residual protein (Cod-RP) or placebo capsules (Control group) for eight weeks, in this randomized, double-blind study. The intervention was completed by 40 participants. Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were unaffected by Cod-RP supplementation, whereas plasma concentrations of α-hydroxybutyrate, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate all were decreased compared with the Control group. Trimethylamine N-oxide concentration in plasma and urine were increased in the Cod-RP group compared with the Control group. To conclude, the reduction in these potential early markers of impaired glucose metabolism following Cod-RP supplementation may indicate beneficial glucoregulatory effects of cod residual proteins. Trimethylamine N-oxide appears to be an appropriate biomarker of cod residual protein intake in lean adults.

Protein-based nutritional strategies to manage the development of diabetes: evidence and challenges in human studies

“…A higher dose was evaluated by Vildmyren et al , 59 who carried out a randomised double-blind study aiming to investigate whether the ingestion of cod protein (8.1 g per day) for two months alters the levels of markers of glucose regulation in lean adults ( n = 50, mean age of 28 years old). The authors indicated that fasting glucose or insulin concentrations were not significantly different when the test item was ingested, but the levels of ketone bodies decreased in the subjects, together with an increase of trimethylamine N -oxide concentration in plasma and urine, which are parameters related to impaired glucose metabolism.…”

The effect of traditional diet on glucose homoeostasis in carriers and non-carriers of a common TBC1D4 variant in Greenlandic Inuit: a randomised crossover study

“…The main difference between the two periods was an exchange of imported meat with marine sources, but total E% from protein was higher in the Traditional diet. Beneficial effects of isolated fish protein on glycemic control (52,53) and markers of IGT (54) have been reported in RCTs.…”