The Potential Role of Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysates on Metabolic Health, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Ageing

Abstract

Fish protein represents one of the most widely consumed dietary protein sources by humans. The processing of material from the fishing industry generates substantial unexploited waste products, many of which possess high biological value. Protein hydrolysates, such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), containing predominantly di- and tripeptides, are more readily absorbed than free amino acids and intact protein. Furthermore, in animal models, FPH have been shown to possess numerous beneficial properties for cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal, renal, and immune health. Ageing is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as increased oxidative stress, compromised vascularisation, neurological derangements, and immunosenescence. Thus, there appears to be a potential application for FPH in older persons as a high-quality protein source that may also confer additional health benefits. Despite this, there remains a dearth of information concerning the impact of FPH on health outcomes in humans. The limited evidence from human interventional trials suggests that FPH may hold promise for supporting optimal body composition and maintaining gut integrity. FPH also provide a high-quality source of dietary protein without negatively impacting on subjective appetite perceptions or regulatory hormones. Further studies are needed to assess the impact and utility of FPH on skeletal muscle health in older persons, ideally comparing FPH to ‘established’ protein sources or a non-bioactive, nitrogen-matched control. In particular, the effects of acute and chronic FPH consumption on post-exercise aminoacidaemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and intramyocellular anabolic signalling in older adults are worthy of investigation. FPH may represent beneficial and sustainable alternative sources of high-quality protein to support skeletal muscle health and anabolism in ageing, without compromising appetite and subsequent energy intake.

Limited Benefit of Marine Protein Hydrolysate on Physical Function and Strength in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…On the other hand, one year might not be sufficient time to detect the preventive effect on muscle health. This was one of the first studies assessing MPH in relation to physical function and strength in older adults [ 12 ], and we suggest the following recommendations for future studies: Future studies should be performed on a frailer population or on populations with immobilized older adults. The population that is most in need of help with stimulating MPS is composed of people who are immobilized over a period of time, e.g., after injuries or illnesses affecting mobility.…”

“…Fish protein supplements in small doses have shown a positive effect on body composition in favor of muscle vs. fat in overweight people, both in a study using 3 g fish protein [ 10 ] and 1.4–2.8 g fish protein hydrolysate [ 11 ]. These doses are small, and the effect might be related to bioactive peptides, rather than the known effect of protein as a source of amino acids [ 12 ].…”

“…The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) supplements on physical function and strength in the elderly. This is one of the first long-term studies of MPH and age-related changes in muscle health [ 12 ].…”

A Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysate Induces Postprandial Aminoacidaemia and Skeletal Muscle Anabolism in an In Vitro Cell Model Using Ex Vivo Human Serum

“…Fish-derived protein hydrolysates (FPH) may hold promise as functional foods to promote healthy ageing, metabolic health, and benefit skeletal muscle metabolism in humans [ 30 ], whilst improving economic and environmental efficiency [ 31 , 32 ]. Cordeiro et al [ 33 ] reported rapid and robust post-exercise aminoacidaemia in young individuals following consumption of 0.25 g·kg −1 ·body mass −1 of a Nile tilapia-derived FPH—a response that was similar to WPH.…”

“…Cordeiro et al [ 33 ] reported rapid and robust post-exercise aminoacidaemia in young individuals following consumption of 0.25 g·kg −1 ·body mass −1 of a Nile tilapia-derived FPH—a response that was similar to WPH. This suggests that FPH might represent a useful and efficient alternative for the promotion of skeletal muscle anabolism [ 30 ]. Nonetheless, the impact of FPH on amino acid kinetics and anabolic potential remains to be determined in older adults.…”