Mealworm protein is the only one available on the market able to combine performance and health, but also naturalness and sustainability
New research by Maastricht University, in the Netherlands, has proved for the first time that insect protein is as beneficial as the ’gold standard’ milk protein; both have the same performance on digestion, absorption and on the ability to stimulate muscle production.
This outcome, published May 21st in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”, confirms mealworm-derived protein as a premium ingredient. Protifarm, leading Dutch AgriTech company, part of the world-leading group in natural insect protein, Ÿnsect, provided its Buffalo mealworm for this unique scientific research.
Milk protein (80 per cent casein, 20 per cent whey) is often seen as the gold standard. This research shows that the mealworm also contains all nine essential amino acids and is efficiently digested in the human body. In contrast, plant-based proteins often show an incomplete amino acid profile with low levels of essential amino acids.
“We used a unique isotope labeling approach to prove rapid digestion and effective stimulation of muscle protein synthesis following the ingestion of Buffalo mealworm. The observed response did not differ from the ingestion of a similar amount of milk protein,” explained Prof Dr Luc van Loon, lead researcher.
Mealworm protein is the only one available on the market able to combine performance and health, but also naturalness and sustainability.
In light of the positive findings of Maastricht University’s study, Ÿnsect Group’s goal is to continue paving the way in insect protein production and aid the industry’s growth in meeting the crucial challenges of tomorrow.