Insect Protein to Support Human Skeletal Muscle Anabolism: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

A global shift toward sustainable food sources is emerging due to the immense environmental pressure from the production of animal foods. Insects present a novel source of sustainable dietary protein, due to their high protein content and favourable amino acid profile.

The aim of this systematic review was to establish the effects of insect protein compared with animal protein on skeletal muscle anabolism and adaptation. This review also explores the usefulness of insects for supporting the protein needs of population groups with high protein requirements.

Database searches were performed using the search terms "edible insects" and "insect protein," plus the key words "human health," "exercise," "anabolic response," "muscle protein synthesis," "skeletal muscle," "muscle adaptation," "lean mass," and "bioavailability." Studies had to be randomised controlled trials conducted with adult human participants (aged >18 years) that measured protein bioavailability, anabolic response, or skeletal muscle adaptation, with direct comparison between insect and animal protein.

Four studies (n = 100 participants) were included in the review. Of the two studies that assessed only postprandial blood amino acid concentration, one reported higher aminoacidemia from cricket compared with beef protein ingestion, and the other reported higher aminoacidemia from whey compared with lesser mealworm protein ingestion. Two studies also directly assessed the postprandial skeletal muscle anabolic response after exercise. Both reported lower peak plasma amino acid concentration from cricket or lesser mealworm protein compared with whey or milk protein, but there was no difference in skeletal muscle anabolism between the insect and animal protein sources.

Insects are a viable protein source that can likely support skeletal muscle anabolism to the same extent as conventional animal protein but with a considerably lower environmental impact. Insects could be an effective protein source to facilitate skeletal muscle during challenging life circumstances or for those with physically demanding occupations.