Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-8-2025

Publication Title

Gut Microbiome

Abstract

Fiber’s effect on our gut microbes has been studied extensively, while knowledge of the effect of protein is sparse. Colonic putrefaction of dietary protein is known to produce several potentially detrimental compounds. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) uses a pre- and post-study design to investigate the effect of consuming higher levels of dietary protein on the gut microbiota and the metabolites it produces. Here, we describe our virtual recruitment efforts and RCT protocol. Potential participants lived throughout the contiguous US. Several recruitment methods were employed, of which email reached the largest group of people (approximately 9,100) and generated a 0.3% conversion of contacts to participants, which exceeded the number of participants needed per group based on our power analysis. Forty-five people were enrolled and randomized to the pea group and forty-two to the whey group. The participants are now completing the study. They will consume their usual dietary intake and add 50 gms of a whey or pea protein supplement for seven days. A fecal sample will be collected before and seven days after increasing their protein intake. Gut microbes and fecal metabolites will be identified. The results will demonstrate the effect of a high level of protein consumption on the gut microbiota and the metabolites it produces.

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