Compositions comprising inulin and protein

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising inulin and protein for use in reducing muscle mass loss. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising inulin and protein, wherein the ratio of said inulin to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of a composition comprising inulin and protein for preparing a food or a medicament.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition comprising fiber and protein for reducing muscle mass loss. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising soluble fiber and protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of a composition comprising soluble fiber and protein for preparing food or medicine. Background Art

[0002] Loss of muscle mass can occur in different situations, such as physical inactivity, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia...).

[0003] Muscle mass loss is related to net protein balance. Net protein balance (NPB) is defined as myosin synthesis (MPS) minus myosin breakdown (MPB), or NPB = MPS - MPB. Therefore, a significant increase in skeletal MPS (anabolism) and / or a decrease in MPB (catabolism) such that NPB remains positive can lead to increased skeletal muscle mass accumulation. Conversely, a negative NPB caused by a decrease in MPS and / or an increase in MPB will result in a loss of muscle mass. It has been clearly shown that acute bouts of heavy resistance exercise, repeated intermittent bouts of short, high-intensity exercise, stimulate a significant increase in MPS.

[0004] Aging is characterized by significant changes in body composition, especially the decline in muscle mass. The latter phenomenon recognized as sarcopenia is that skeletal muscle mass decreases with age. With age, the progressive loss of muscle mass can reach up to 11 kg between 30 and 80 years old and leads to many functional and metabolic consequences. It is accompanied by weakening of strength, and therefore causes loss of autonomy and risks in the elderly. Muscle is a reservoir of amino acids that can be moved when needed. In fact, sarcopenia promotes the decline in the ability of the elderly to adapt to environmental stress (bacterial infection, inflammation ...) in an appropriate manner. Muscle loss is also involved in the reduction of physical activity and therefore participates in the generation of obesity, insulin resistance and osteoporosis in the elderly. Although many mechanisms have been described about the etiology of this syndrome, with age, muscle mass loss is mainly caused by the imbalance between the net loss of protein and the rate of myosin synthesis and the rate of degradation. During aging, resistance to certain anabolic factors occurs, particularly resistance to the stimulation of myosin synthesis produced by dietary intake.

[0005] Food consumption in humans is characterized by its discontinuous nature (2-3 staple meals a day intermittently), thus defining a circadian rhythm of nutritional status. This consumption profile includes several continuous states: the postprandial state and the post-absorptive state. During the day, various parameters of myosin metabolism fluctuate according to a cyclic profile related to nutritional status. During the fasting period, the balance between synthesis and protein degradation is negative and produces a net loss of protein compensated by the increase in protein in response to food intake (an anabolic period characterized by a positive net balance between the protein synthesis rate and the protein degradation rate). This alternation between the catabolic and anabolic phases makes it possible to maintain protein homeostasis. The decrease in myosin mass with age is caused by an imbalance between synthesis and protein degradation, which is particularly likely to form during the postprandial period. The increase in protein after a meal will no longer compensate for the loss during the fasting period, and this permanent imbalance will eventually lead to a progressive loss of myosin.

[0006] Thus, the rate of myosin synthesis is physiologically increased in the presence of dietary intake. However, the regulatory effect of food intake is blunted with age, contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.

[0007] This strong aminoacidemia can be obtained through the consumption of animal proteins of high nutritional value (i.e. balanced amino acid composition and rapid digestion). However, epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of proteins from animal sources (such as meat products) decreases sharply in the elderly. As a result, the manufacture of novel foods for the elderly and the assessment of their nutritional quality may become important in the next few decades.

[0008] Therefore, there is still a need to develop compositions with improved physiological and / or pharmacological and / or therapeutic activity to reduce muscle mass loss. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present inventors have unexpectedly found that a combination of soluble fiber and protein reduces muscle mass loss, preferably a combination of soluble fiber and pea protein.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a composition comprising soluble fiber and protein for use in reducing muscle mass loss, preferably muscle mass loss in sarcopenic conditions.

[0011] The present inventors have found that the compositions of the present invention synergistically increase nitrogen balance and biological value.

[0012] In particular, consumption of pea protein when accompanied by soluble fiber (such as inulin) leads to an increase in (skeletal) muscle mass, which is particularly pronounced compared to pea protein without accompanying soluble fiber.

[0013] Additionally, without wishing to be bound by theory potentially signaling one of the mechanisms of action of pea protein with or without fiber on protein metabolism, increased systemic concentrations of anti-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-10 have been observed.

[0014] Despite the lower digestibility of pea protein, a significant effect of this protein type on nitrogen balance has been shown, and a higher nitrogen balance was observed when pea protein was consumed together with soluble fibers such as inulin. Therefore, despite the lower digestibility, the retention of pea protein is still effective. This is also evident from the biological value, which is higher for foods with pea protein and even higher when pea protein is combined with soluble fibers such as inulin.

[0015] It was further observed that the muscle protein synthesis rate is increased in the postprandial state compared to the postabsorptive state after administration of pea protein, and that the presence of soluble fiber (such as inulin) in the diet can increase the likelihood of postprandial stimulation of muscle anabolism by food protein (particularly in sarcopenic subjects). Thus, soluble fiber (such as inulin), particularly in combination with pea protein, allows for increased protein synthesis and muscle anabolism. Thus, soluble fiber (such as inulin) increases the effect of pea protein on muscle anabolism and thus increases muscle mass.

[0016] Additionally, mitochondrial density and enzyme activity were shown to be higher following consumption of pea protein and soluble fibers such as inulin, indicating an improvement in muscle ATP production capacity.

[0017] Nitrogen balance is nitrogen intake minus fecal nitrogen and urine nitrogen.

[0018] Nitrogen balance was measured by subtracting the excreted nitrogen from the ingested nitrogen. Urine and feces were collected for 48 hours and the animals' food consumption was measured. The nitrogen content in urine and feces was then analyzed and the amount of ingested nitrogen was calculated.

[0019] Nitrogen balance was calculated as: nitrogen intake - nitrogen excretion; expressed in g / day.

[0020] The nitrogen content (for nitrogen intake and / or nitrogen excretion) can be determined by the Dumas method. (Dumas, A. Stickstoffbestimmung nach Dumas. Die Praxis des org. Chemikers (N-Determination according to Dumas), 41st edition; Schrag: Nürnberg, Germany, 1962.)

[0021] Biological value (BV) is a measure of the proportion of protein absorbed from food that is incorporated into the protein of an organism. It captures the ease with which digested protein is used in protein synthesis in the cells of an organism. Protein is the main source of nitrogen in food. BV assumes that protein is the only source of nitrogen and measures the proportion of absorbed nitrogen that remains in the body.

[0022]

[0023] The biological value is expressed in %.

[0024] Net protein utilization (NPU) corresponds to the nitrogen retention rate or the proportion of nitrogen intake that is retained in the body. It is determined by the following formula:

[0025]

[0026] NI = nitrogen intake; UN = urine nitrogen; FN = fecal nitrogen; EFN = endogenous fecal nitrogen; EUN = endogenous urine nitrogen

[0027] Net protein utilization is expressed in %.

[0028] As determined by the rat balance method, the true nitrogen digestibility corresponds to the proportion of dietary nitrogen that is absorbed. It is determined by the following formula:

[0029]

[0030] The true digestibility is expressed in %.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for use in preventing and / or reducing muscle loss.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention is a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) use in maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) use in maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance in a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) use in maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance in a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (e.g. diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0035] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) use in maintaining or increasing net protein utilization.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for use in (therapeutic) maintaining or increasing net protein utilization in a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) use in maintaining or increasing net protein utilization in a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) maintaining or increasing biological value.

[0039] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for use in (therapeutic) maintaining or increasing the biological value of a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss.

[0040] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for (therapeutic) use in maintaining or increasing the biological value of a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0041] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance in a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss.

[0043] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance in a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (such as diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0044] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing net protein utilization.

[0045] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing net protein utilization in a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing the net availability of protein in subjects suffering from physical inactivity, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0047] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing biological value.

[0048] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing the biological value of a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the (non-therapeutic) use of a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein for maintaining or increasing biological value in subjects suffering from physical inactivity, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0050] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0051] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a method of maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance in a subject having or at risk of muscle loss, comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0052] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for maintaining or increasing nitrogen balance in a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (such as diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia), which comprises administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0053] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of maintaining or increasing net protein utilization comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0054] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a method of maintaining or increasing net protein utilization in a subject having or at risk of muscle loss, comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a method of maintaining or increasing net protein utilization in a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia), comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0056] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of maintaining or increasing biological value comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0057] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a method of maintaining or increasing biological value in a subject suffering from or at risk of muscle loss, comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0058] Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a method for maintaining or increasing biological value in a subject suffering from physical inactivity, a chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia), comprising administering a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of soluble fiber and protein.

[0059] Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein, wherein the soluble fiber / protein ratio ranges from 5wt% / 95wt% to 75wt% / 25wt%, such as 5wt% / 95wt% to 75wt% / 25wt% or 20wt% / 80wt% to 50wt% / 50wt%.

[0060] The invention also encompasses a food or beverage product or a food supplement comprising between 0.1 and 40 g, such as between 5 and 40 g, such as between 5 and 30 g, of a composition according to the invention per serving of the food or beverage product or food supplement, or comprising between 5% and 75%, preferably between 10% and 65%, of a composition according to the invention by weight of dry matter.

[0061] The present invention also encompasses the use of a composition according to the invention as a food additive in the production of a food or beverage product or a food supplement comprising between 0.1 and 40 g, such as between 5 and 40 g, such as between 5 and 30 g of the composition per serving of the food or beverage product or food supplement, or comprising between 5% and 75%, preferably between 10% and 65%, of the composition according to the invention by weight of dry matter.

[0062] The invention also encompasses a food or beverage product or a food supplement according to the invention as described herein for use in preventing and / or reducing muscle loss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 Shown is a graph plotting the effect of a mixture of whey protein, pea protein and inulin with protein according to an example of the invention on nitrogen balance.

[0064] Figure 2 Shown is a graph plotting the effect of a mixture of whey protein, pea protein and inulin with protein according to an example of the present invention on the true digestibility of nitrogen.

[0065] Figure 3 Shown is a graph plotting the effect of a mixture of whey protein, pea protein and inulin with protein on the net protein utilization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 4 Shown is a graph plotting the effect of a mixture of whey protein, pea protein and inulin with protein according to an example of the present invention on the biological value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Here, the present invention is particularly obtained from any one or any combination of one or more of the following aspects and embodiments and numbered statements 1 to 43.

[0068] 1. A composition comprising soluble fiber and protein for preventing and / or reducing muscle mass loss, improving nitrogen balance, increasing protein net utilization and / or increasing biological value.

[0069] 2. A composition according to statement 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 7% by weight of soluble fibres, calculated on a dry matter basis.

[0070] 3. A composition according to statement 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises at least 10 wt. % protein based on dry matter.

[0071] 4. A composition according to any one of statements 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0072] 5. A composition according to any one of statements 1 to 4, wherein the soluble fiber is inulin.

[0073] 6. A composition according to statement 5, wherein the inulin has an average degree of polymerization value of less than 50.

[0074] 7. A composition according to statement 5 or 6, wherein the inulin has an average degree of polymerization value of at least 2.

[0075] 8. A composition according to statements 5 to 7, wherein the inulin is obtained from a plant selected from the group comprising elecampane, dandelion, dahlia, wild yam, artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, jicama, burdock, onion, garlic, agave, yacón, banana, leek, asparagus, camas or a mixture thereof.

[0076] 9. A composition according to any one of statements 1 to 8, wherein the protein is selected from animal protein, plant protein alone or a mixture thereof.

[0077] 10. A composition according to statement 9, wherein the protein is preferably a vegetable protein.

[0078] 11. A composition according to statement 9 or 10, wherein the plant protein is pulse protein.

[0079] 12. A composition according to any one of statements 9 to 11, wherein the protein is pea protein.

[0080] 13. A composition according to statement 9, wherein said protein is preferably animal protein.

[0081] 14. A composition according to statement 13, wherein the animal protein is preferably whey protein.

[0082] 15. A composition according to any one of statements 1 to 14, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by physical inactivity, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, cachexia).

[0083] 16. The composition according to statement 15, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by sarcopenia.

[0084] 17. A composition according to statement 15 or 16, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by insufficient physical activity.

[0085] 18. A composition according to any one of statements 15 to 17, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by diabetes.

[0086] 19. A composition according to any one of statements 15 to 18, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by type I diabetes.

[0087] 20. The composition according to any one of statements 15 to 18, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by type II diabetes.

[0088] 21. A composition according to any one of statements 15 to 18, wherein the loss of muscle mass is caused by obesity.

[0089] 22. A composition according to any one of statements 1 to 21, wherein the soluble fiber and the protein have a synergistic effect.

[0090] 23. A composition according to any one of statements 1 to 22, wherein the composition is for use in human food.

[0091] 24. A composition comprising soluble fiber and protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0092] 25. A composition according to statement 24, wherein said composition comprises at least 7% by weight of soluble fiber on a dry matter basis.

[0093] 26. A composition according to statement 24 or 25, wherein the composition comprises at least 10 wt. % protein based on dry matter.

[0094] 27. A composition according to any one of statements 24 to 26, wherein the soluble fiber is inulin.

[0095] 28. A composition according to statement 27, wherein the inulin has an average degree of polymerization value of less than 50.

[0096] 29. A composition according to statement 27 or 28, wherein the inulin has an average degree of polymerization value of at least 3.

[0097] 30. A composition according to any one of statements 27 to 29, wherein the inulin is obtained from a plant selected from the group comprising elecampane, dandelion, dahlia, wild yam, artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, burdock, onion, garlic, agave, yacon, banana, leek, asparagus, kamelan or a mixture thereof.

[0098] 31. A composition according to statement 24, wherein said protein is selected from animal protein, plant protein alone or a mixture thereof.

[0099] 32. A composition according to statement 31, wherein said protein is preferably a vegetable protein.

[0100] 33. A composition according to statement 31 or 32, wherein the vegetable protein is soy protein.

[0101] 34. A composition according to any one of statements 31 to 33, wherein the protein is pea protein.

[0102] 35. A composition according to statement 31, wherein said protein is preferably animal protein.

[0103] 36. A composition according to statement 35, wherein said animal protein is preferably whey protein.

[0104] 37. A composition according to statements 1 to 36 comprising at least 65% by weight, preferably at least 75% by weight, more preferably at least 85% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, most preferably at least 98% by weight of protein and soluble fiber, calculated on a dry matter basis.

[0105] 38. Food or beverage product or food supplement comprising between 0.1 and 40 g of a composition according to any one of statements 1 to 37, preferably per serving of said food or beverage product or food supplement.

[0106] 39. Food or beverage product or food supplement comprising between 5 and 75 wt.-%, preferably between 10 and 65 wt.-%, of the composition according to any one of statements 1 to 37, calculated on dry matter.

[0107] 40. A food or beverage product or a food supplement according to statement 38 or 39 comprising between 0.5% and 30% by weight of soluble fiber (ie, said soluble fiber as defined in statements 1-37) based on dry matter.

[0108] 41. A food or beverage product or a food supplement according to statement 38 or 39 comprising between 5% and 50% by weight of protein (ie said protein as defined in statements 1-37) calculated on a dry matter basis.

[0109] 42. A food or beverage product or a food supplement according to statement 38 or 39, comprising between 0.5% and 30% by weight of soluble fiber (i.e., the soluble fiber defined in statements 1-37) based on dry matter, and comprising between 5% and 50% by weight of protein (i.e., the protein defined in statements 1-37) based on dry matter.

[0110] 43. Use of a composition according to any one of statements 1 to 37 as an ingredient, food additive or feed additive in the production of a food or beverage product or a food supplement, optionally comprising between 0.1 and 40 g of the composition per serving of the food or beverage product or food supplement, or comprising between 5 and 75 wt. %, preferably between 10 and 65 % of the composition on a dry matter basis.

[0111] Before describing the method of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific method, components, products or combinations described, because such methods, components, products and combinations may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, because the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0112] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0113] As used herein, the terms "comprising / comprises" and "comprised of" are synonymous with "including / includes" or "containing / contains", and are closed or open-ended, and do not exclude additional unrecited members, elements, or method steps. It should be understood that the terms "comprising / comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein encompass the terms "consisting of / consists / consists of" as well as the terms "consisting essentially of / consists essentially / consists essentially of".

[0114] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0115] When referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, amount, time interval, etc., the term "about" as used herein is meant to encompass variations of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, and still more preferably + / -1% or less relative to the specified value, as long as such variations are suitable for making in the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the value referred to by the modifier "about" or "approximately" itself is also specifically and preferably disclosed.

[0116] Given that the term "one or more" or "at least one" (such as one or more members or at least one member of a group of members) makes itself clear with the help of further examples, the term particularly covers reference to: any one of the members or any two or more of the members, such as any ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 of the members, etc., and up to all of the members.

[0117] All references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In particular, the teachings of all references specifically mentioned herein are incorporated by reference.

[0118] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used to disclose the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. By way of further guidance, term definitions are included for a better understanding of the teachings of the present invention.

[0119] In the following paragraphs, different aspects of the present invention are defined in more detail. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, the various aspects defined in this way can be combined with any other aspects. Specifically, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other one or more features indicated as preferred or advantageous.

[0120] Throughout this specification, reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in different places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment but may refer to the same embodiment. In addition, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present invention, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. In addition, when some embodiments described herein include some features other than those included in other embodiments, the combination of features of different embodiments is intended to be within the scope of the present invention and to form different embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0121] The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0122] As used herein, the expression "%" means "% by weight expressed on a dry matter basis". The % may be calculated based on the total composition according to the present invention. Alternatively, the % may be calculated from the ratio between two or more compounds of a mixture.

[0123] The present invention relates to compositions comprising soluble fiber and protein, such as compositions comprising soluble fiber and protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 7% by weight soluble fiber, preferably 10% by weight, more preferably 25% by weight, even more preferably 45% by weight soluble fiber.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 10 wt% soluble fiber, preferably 25 wt%, more preferably 50 wt%, even more preferably 60 wt% protein.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 5% soluble fiber by weight based on the total amount of protein and soluble fiber.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises up to 75% soluble fiber by weight based on the total amount of protein and soluble fiber.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 25% protein by weight, based on the total amount of protein and fiber.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises up to 95% protein by weight, based on the total amount of protein and fiber.

[0130] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 5% by weight, on a dry matter basis, soluble fiber.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises up to 75% by weight of soluble fiber on a dry matter basis.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 25% protein by weight on a dry matter basis.

[0133] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises up to 95% protein by weight on a dry matter basis.

[0134] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a soluble fiber / protein weight ratio of between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25, preferably between 20 / 80 and 75 / 25, more preferably between 25 / 75 and 50 / 50.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 65 wt. %, preferably at least 75 wt. %, more preferably at least 85 wt. %, even more preferably at least 95 wt. %, most preferably at least 98 wt. % protein and soluble fiber based on dry matter.

[0136] In the present invention, the term "soluble fiber" means soluble dietary fiber. Said fiber means a whole series of different compounds, which have the common property of not being broken down by human digestive enzymes. Almost all dietary fibers are carbohydrate polymers.

[0137] Preferably, the soluble fiber of plant origin is selected from the group consisting of: fructans, including fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin; glucose oligosaccharides (GOS), arabinoxylans (AX), arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS), isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO), transgalacto-oligosaccharides (TOS), pyrodextrins, polydextrose, branched maltodextrins, indigestible dextrins and soluble oligosaccharides derived from oily plants or protein-producing plants.

[0138] The term "soluble fiber" is intended to mean fiber that is soluble in water. Fiber can be analyzed according to various AOAC methods. For example, AOAC methods 997.08 and 999.03 for fructans, FOS and inulin, AOAC method 2000.11 for polydextrose, AOAC method 2001.03 for analyzing fibers contained in branched maltodextrins and indigestible dextrins, or AOAC method 2001.02 for GOS and soluble oligosaccharides derived from oily plants or protein-producing plants can be mentioned. Among the soluble oligosaccharides derived from oily plants or protein-producing plants, soybean, rapeseed or pea oligosaccharides can be mentioned.

[0139] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises inulin and protein.

[0140] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises soluble fiber and pea protein.

[0141] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises inulin and pea protein.

[0142] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises inulin and protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0143] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises soluble fiber and pea protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises inulin and pea protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0145] In certain embodiments, the protein (such as pea protein) is a protein extract, such as a pea protein extract. The extract preferably comprises at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 85% by weight, such as at least 90% by weight of protein (such as pea protein) based on dry matter.

[0146] In certain embodiments, the soluble fiber (such as inulin) is a soluble fiber extract, such as an inulin extract. The extract preferably comprises at least 80% by weight of soluble fiber (such as inulin) based on dry matter, preferably at least 85% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, such as at least 95% by weight.

[0147] As used herein, the term "inulin" refers to a mixture of oligosaccharides and / or polysaccharides of fructose, which may have a terminal glucose. Inulin belongs to the class of fibers known as fructans. In one embodiment, inulin can be represented by the general formulas GFn and Fm according to the terminal carbohydrate units, wherein G represents a glucose unit, F represents a fructose unit, n is an integer representing the number of fructose units connected to the terminal glucose unit, and m is an integer representing the number of fructose units connected to each other in the carbohydrate chain. The inulin used in the present invention encompasses inulin with a terminal glucose, which is also referred to as α-D-glucopyranosyl-[β-D-fructofuranosyl])(n-1)-D-fructofuranose side and inulin without glucose, which is also referred to as β-D-fructofuranosyl-[D-fructofuranosyl](n-1)-D-fructofuranose side]. Inulin for use in the present invention may also encompass hydrolyzates of inulin such as fructooligosaccharides, which are fructose oligomers having a degree of polymerization (DP) of ≤20, and it may also encompass fructose oligomers synthesized from sucrose ending with a terminal glucose, which have a DP of 3 to 5. Suitable oligosaccharide chains for inulin derived from plant sources for use in the present invention may have a degree of polymerization (DP) ranging from 3 to about 100. Inulin may be a liquid or powder product.

[0148] As used herein, the term "degree of polymerization" or "(DP)" relates to the number of monosaccharide residues present in an oligosaccharide or polysaccharide. The parameter average degree of polymerization is also often used. The degree of polymerization is a measure of the molecular weight (MW). The DP can be calculated as the ratio of the total MW of a polymer or oligomer to the MW of a repeating unit.

[0149] In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and protein for reducing muscle mass loss, the average DP of the inulin being numerically lower than 50, such as between 2 and 50, such as between 2 and 40, such as between 2 and 30, such as between 5 and 30, such as between 5 and 20, such as between 5 and 15, and such as about 10.

[0150] In one embodiment, the inulin used in the composition may be derived from or isolated from or obtained from any natural source of inulin known to date, or may be synthesized by sucrase, or may be commercially available inulin. In one embodiment, the inulin is derived from or isolated from: elecampane, dandelion, dahlia, wild yam, artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, yam, burdock, onion, garlic, agave, yacon, banana, leek, asparagus, kamelan. In one embodiment, inulin is (largely) linear fiber. Preferably, inulin is derived from or isolated from chicory or Jerusalem artichoke. Suitable commercial inulin for use in the present invention may be selected from the group comprising the following: Instant, …(Cosucra Group WarcoingSA, Belgium), …(Sensus, Netherlands), …(Beneo-Orafti, Belgium), …(Syral, France).

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the inulin used in the composition is derived from chicory or Jerusalem artichoke and has an average DP between 6 and 25.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and plant protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0153] In the present invention, the term "plant protein" preferably includes all proteins derived from cereals, oily plants, tuberous plants and legumes, and may be used alone or in the form of a mixture.

[0154] In the present invention, the term "cereal" is intended to mean a cultivated plant of the family Poaceae that produces edible seeds. Non-limiting examples are wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, sorghum, chestnut or rice. Cereals are often ground in the form of flour, but they can also be obtained in the form of granules and sometimes in the form of the whole plant (feed).

[0155] In the present invention, the term "oleaginous plant" means a plant specifically grown for its seeds or whose fruit is rich in fat, from which oil for dietary, energy or industrial use is extracted. Non-limiting examples are rapeseed oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil and castor oil plants.

[0156] In the present invention, the term "tuber plant" is intended to mean all plants comprising storage organs, usually underground, which ensure plant survival during the winter and usually plant proliferation by a vegetative process. These organs swell due to the accumulation of storage materials. The organs transformed into tubers can be:

[0157] Roots: Non-limiting examples are carrot, parsnip, cassava, konjac,

[0158] Roots: Non-limiting examples are potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, Japanese artichokes, sweet potatoes,

[0159] The base of the stem (more particularly the hypocotyl): non-limiting examples are kohlrabi, celeriac,

[0160] Root + hypocotyl combination: Non-limiting examples are beet, radish.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and soy protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and soy protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0163] In the present invention, the term "legumes" is intended to mean the dry seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae. The four most common legumes are beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas. Lentils (e.g., Lentils Culinaris) include, for example, Beluga Lentils, Brown Lentils, French Green Lentils, Green Lentils, and Red Lentils. Beans (e.g., Phaseolus Vulgaris) include, for example, Adzuki Beans, Anasazi Beans, Appaloosa Beans, Baby Lima Beans, Black Calypso Beans, Black Turtle Beans, Dark Red Kidney Beans, Great Northern Beans, Jacob's Cattle Trout Beans, Large Faba Beans, Large Lima Beans, Mung Beans, Pink Beans, etc. Beans include, for example, black-eyed peas, green peas, marrowfat peas, pigeon peas, yellow peas, and yellow-eyed peas. Chickpeas include, for example, chickpeas and kabuli.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and pea protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0165] In a most preferred embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and pea protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0166] In the most preferred embodiment, pea protein is used. Dry peas contain 20-30% lysine-rich proteins. Pea protein is mainly a storage protein composed of albumin and two globulins (legumin and fabalin), which can be dissolved and separated relatively easily. In addition, these proteins are characterized by a high lysine content, which is lacking in many other proteins of plant origin. The solubility profile of pea protein isolate is similar to that of other legume proteins and is characterized by high solubility at alkaline pH, minimal solubility at the isoelectric point and moderate solubility in acidic media. It is characterized by relatively good emulsifying activity.

[0167] Pea protein can be prepared in three forms: pea flour, pea protein concentrate, and pea protein isolate. Pea flour is produced by dry grinding of shelled peas. Pea protein concentrate can be produced via the acid leaching process traditionally used to make soy protein concentrate, but it is more economical to use a dry separation method. Pea protein isolate is produced by a wet processing method.

[0168] Protein and starch in non-oilseed legumes such as peas can be effectively separated by dry grinding and air classification. Fine grinding produces a flour containing particle groups distinguished by size and density. Air classification of this flour separates protein (fine fraction) from starch (coarse fraction). In this dry method, whole or shelled peas are pin-milled into very fine flour. During grinding, the starch granules remain fairly intact, while the protein matrix breaks down into fine particles. Grinding must be done carefully to avoid damage to the starch granules. The flour is air-classified with a spiral air stream into a fine fraction containing about 75% of the total protein but only 25% of the total mass; and a coarse fraction containing most of the starch granules. The starch and protein fractions are separated in an air classifier based on their mass and size differences. The coarse fraction can be centrifuged from the fine fraction and carried into a coarse fraction duct. The fine fraction is carried into an air cyclone with air. After grinding, some protein bodies are still attached to the starch granules and some starch is still embedded in the protein matrix. The content of attached protein bodies and agglomerated starch and protein can be reduced by repeated pin-milling and air classification. With this two-pass process, a total protein fraction with a yield of 33-35% was obtained for peas (protein content of 56%, based on dry weight, N×6.25), wherein the original protein content was about 25%.

[0169] Highly concentrated protein fractions (protein isolates) and protein concentrates of pea can be prepared by wet processes. Protein separation is mainly based on protein solubilization followed by isoelectric precipitation for subsequent recovery.

[0170] The isoelectric precipitation method for protein isolate production involves grinding peas, followed by dissolving the protein in water, alkali or acid; followed by centrifugation to remove insoluble components. The dissolved protein is then precipitated at its isoelectric pH. The precipitated protein curd is collected by centrifugation or sieving. The curd is dried to produce an isoelectric protein isolate, or neutralized and dried to produce a cationic protein isolate.

[0171] The protein isolate has a total protein content (expressed as N 6.25) of at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, for example between 70% and 99%, preferably between 80% and 95%, more preferably between 80% and 90%, based on dry matter. In a preferred embodiment, pea protein isolate is used.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment, unhydrolyzed vegetable proteins are used. The term "unhydrolyzed protein" is equivalent to "intact" protein, meaning that the protein has not yet undergone a hydrolysis process. However, a small amount of hydrolyzed protein may be present in the source of the unhydrolyzed protein, or may be added to the formulation, such as additional amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, glutamine, arginine or dipeptides and their analogs. According to another embodiment, the intact protein may have only a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 5% or less, preferably 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less.

[0173] In one embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and animal protein for reducing muscle mass loss, and may be selected from whey protein, casein or egg protein, alone or in combination.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and whey protein for reducing muscle mass loss.

[0175] Therefore, the present invention also encompasses a composition consisting of soluble fiber and protein and its use for reducing muscle mass loss, such as physical inactivity, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity and sarcopenia). Preferably, the composition of the present invention is used to reduce the loss of muscle mass in sarcopenia.

[0176] As used herein, the term "synergistic effect" or "synergistic action" refers to two or more agents working together to produce a result that cannot be obtained by any agent independently. This term is used to describe a situation where different entities cooperate advantageously for the final result. As used herein, the term "synergistic amount" refers to the amount of inulin and protein that together achieve a more significant effect than each alone or even achieve an effect greater than the sum of each alone.

[0177] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that soluble fiber and protein have a synergistic effect in reducing muscle mass loss, particularly in sarcopenia. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising soluble fiber and protein, wherein the soluble fiber and protein are present in synergistic amounts. Therefore, the composition provides great potential to better increase nitrogen balance and biological value.

[0178] The present invention relates to a composition comprising soluble fiber and protein, wherein the ratio of the soluble fiber to the protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight, preferably between 20 / 80 and 75 / 25, more preferably between 25 / 75 and 50 / 50.

[0179] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 7% by weight soluble fiber, preferably 10% by weight, more preferably 25% by weight, even more preferably 45% by weight soluble fiber.

[0180] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least 10 wt% soluble fiber, preferably 25 wt%, more preferably 50 wt%, even more preferably 60 wt% protein.

[0181] In one embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and pea protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 50 / 50 by weight.

[0182] In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and protein, the average DP of the inulin being less than 50 in number, such as between 2 and 50, such as between 2 and 40, such as between 2 and 30, such as between 5 and 30, such as between 5 and 20, such as between 5 and 15, and such as about 10.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, the inulin in the composition is derived from chicory or Jerusalem artichoke and has an average DP between 6 and 25.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and plant protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 20 / 80 and 50 / 50 by weight.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and soy protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0186] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and soy protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0187] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and pea protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0188] In a most preferred embodiment, the composition comprises inulin and pea protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0189] In one embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and animal protein, wherein the ratio of the soluble fiber to the protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight, and may be selected from whey protein, casein or egg protein, alone or in combination.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises soluble fiber and whey protein, wherein the ratio of said soluble fiber to said protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight.

[0191] Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of a composition according to the present invention as described herein, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fibers and proteins, for the preparation of a food, a beverage or a (food / beverage) supplement, and / or for a medicament for reducing muscle mass loss, preferably in the case of sarcopenia (the food, beverage or (food / beverage supplement) may be a medicament). The present invention also relates to a method for reducing muscle mass loss in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering a physiologically or therapeutically effective amount of a composition according to the present invention as described herein, comprising, consisting of or consisting essentially of soluble fibers and proteins.

[0192] The present invention relates to a composition according to the invention as described herein, comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein, and its use for reducing muscle mass loss. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of soluble fiber and protein, wherein the ratio of the soluble fiber to the protein is between 5 / 95 and 75 / 25 by weight. As used herein, the term "comprising" means that the composition contains at least soluble fiber and protein. Other compounds, ingredients, products may or may not be present in such compositions. Non-limiting examples of other ingredients include other fermentable fibers, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins.

[0193] As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount" of the above-described composition described above relates to the amount or quantity of said composition required to achieve the desired therapeutic and / or preventive effect. The effective amount can be measured and expressed in g / day.

[0194] As used herein, the term "physiologically effective amount" of the above composition relates to the amount or quantity of the composition required to achieve the desired physiological effect. The effective amount can be measured and expressed in g / day.

[0195] The composition according to the present invention can be supplemented to food as a food additive, especially a functional food additive, such as a functional food, a nutritious food and / or a food supplement. The present invention also encompasses a method for preparing a food or a beverage or a food supplement, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a composition according to the present invention and (b) formulating the composition into a food, a feed product, a beverage or a supplement.

[0196] The invention also relates to a food product containing the composition according to the invention as well as a feed product containing the same composition, a beverage containing the same composition and a food supplement containing the same composition.

[0197] Compositions of the present invention can be used as food additives in food or beverage production, or as the matrix of food supplements. In one embodiment, food or beverage or supplements comprise compositions according to the present invention between 0.1 and 40g of each portion of food or beverage or supplements. In preferred embodiments, food or beverage or supplements comprise compositions according to the present invention between 0.5 and 20g of each portion of food or beverage or supplements. In even more preferred embodiments, food or beverage or supplements comprise compositions according to the present invention between 1 and 10g of each portion of food or beverage or supplements.

[0198] It should be understood that the food, beverage or supplement may relate to a food, beverage or supplement that is ready for consumption, but may also relate to a food, beverage or supplement portion, concentrate or the like, which may need to be reconstituted or otherwise processed in order to obtain a food, beverage or supplement that is ready for consumption (e.g., an instant powder, dough, etc.).

[0199] For medical use, the composition of the present invention can be formulated into a pharmaceutical preparation comprising soluble fiber and protein and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient and / or adjuvant and optionally one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds. Such preparations can be in a form suitable for oral administration.

[0200] In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be optionally combined with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for oral administration. When combined with a carrier, the weight percentage of the carrier on the total composition may be between 1 and 85%. Typical carriers are food and water. If soluble fiber is used, the combination of the aqueous carrier and the soluble fiber will be a solution. If insoluble fiber is used, the combination of the aqueous carrier and the fiber will be a suspension. The composition may include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. It may be encapsulated in a gelatin capsule or compressed into a tablet. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the composition may be combined with an excipient and used in the form of a tablet, lozenge, suppository or capsule. Pharmaceutically compatible binders and / or adjuvant substances may be included as part of the composition. Tablets, pills, capsules, lozenges, and the like may contain any of the following ingredients or compounds of similar nature: binders such as microcrystalline cellulose, tragacanth, or gelatin; excipients such as starch or lactose; disintegrants such as alginic acid, sodium starch glycolate, or corn starch; lubricants such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; glidants such as colloidal silicon dioxide; sweeteners such as sucrose or saccharin; or flavorings such as mint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring. When the unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain a liquid carrier such as a fatty oil in addition to materials of the above types. In addition, the unit dosage form may contain various other materials that modify the physical form of the unit dosage form, such as sugar coatings, shellac, or enteric solvents. The composition may be administered as a component of an elixir, suspension, syrup, wafer, chewable lozenge, and the like. In addition to the active compound, the syrup may contain sucrose as a sweetener, and certain preservatives, dyes and coloring agents, and flavoring agents. The composition may also be mixed with other active substances that do not impair the desired effect or with substances that supplement the desired effect.

[0201] The pharmaceutical preparations are preferably in unit dosage form and may be suitably packaged in, for example, boxes, blisters, vials, bottles, sachets, ampoules or any other suitable single-dose or multi-dose holders or containers (which may be appropriately labeled); optionally together with one or more leaflets containing product information and / or instructions for use.

[0202] The compositions of the present invention will generally be administered in an effective amount, which is sufficient to achieve the desired physiological, therapeutic and / or preventive effect in the subject to which it is administered after being suitable for administration. It should be further understood that for any particular subject, the specific dosage regimen should be adjusted over time according to the subject's needs and the professional judgment of the person administering the composition or supervising the administration of the composition, and the dosage ranges described herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the composition.

[0203] The present invention will now be illustrated by means of the following examples, which embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0204] Example

[0205] 1. Materials and Methods

[0206] 1.1. Products

[0207] The standard diet was composed of 6% fat (soybean oil), 80% carbohydrates (10% sucrose, 40.6% starch, 15.5% maltodextrin and 8.3% cellulose) and 14% protein in the form of casein (7.5% water).

[0208] For comparison, 2 types of protein were used: whey protein and pea protein.

[0209] The pea protein source in this trial was (COSUCRA groupe Warcoing SA, Belgium), which is a pea protein isolate having a dry matter of 95 wt.% + / - 2 % and a protein content of 86 + / - 2 wt.%.

[0210] The source of inulin used in this experiment was Instant (COSUCRA groupe Warcoing SA, Belgium), which is a chicory inulin with a DP ranging from 2 to 60 and an average DP of about 10 (in number). Instant is a powder with a dry matter of 96% and contains 90% inulin on a dry matter basis.

[0211] 1.2. Subjects

[0212] Rats were delivered to our animal facility 2 weeks before the start of the study in order to acclimate them to the new environment. Throughout the study, rats were placed in individual cages in a controlled environment, i.e., light (12 hours light, 12 hours dark), temperature (20-22° C.), and hygrometry (50-60% humidity). Rats were fed ceramic feeders designed to prevent food loss. Animals and food were weighed once a week. Water was provided ad libitum.

[0213] After 2 weeks of acclimatization, the rats were weighed and The system measures body composition by measuring fat mass and muscle mass based on the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance. The rats were then divided into five equivalent groups based on weight, muscle mass and body fat.

[0214] Experimental design

[0215] These groups of 20 rats were fed 5 different diets for 16 weeks:

[0216] - Standard diet (6% fat, 80% carbohydrates, and 14% protein in the form of casein; all by dry weight) or

[0217] - a diet containing fast-acting dietary protein (i.e. whey protein) (6% fat, 80% carbohydrates and 14% protein in the form of whey; all on a dry weight basis) or

[0218] - a diet containing whey protein and inulin (6% fat, 72.5% carbohydrates, 7.5% inulin and 14% protein in the form of whey; all by dry weight) or

[0219] - a diet containing pea protein (6% fat, 80% carbohydrates and 14% protein in the form of pea protein; all by dry weight) or

[0220] -Diet containing pea protein and inulin (6% fat, 72.5% carbohydrates, 7.5% inulin and 14% protein in the form of pea protein; all on a dry weight basis)

[0221] Five days before the end of the 16-week period, the rats were placed in metabolic cages to allow accurate and complete measurement of food intake (drinking water and food) and excretion (urine and feces). The analysis of nitrogen content in feces and urine was then determined by the combustion method according to the Dumas method (Dumas, A. Stickstoffbestimmung nach Dumas. Die Praxis des org. Chemikers (N-Determination according to Dumas), 41st edition; Schrag: Nürnberg, Germany, 1962).

[0222] At the end of the period, 72 animals were still alive and were distributed as described in Table 1.

[0223] diet Remaining rats ( / 20) Comparison 14 whey 12 Whey + Inulin 16 pea 16 Pea + Inulin 14

[0224] Table 1 .- Number of animals remaining at the end of the experimental protocol.

[0225] At the end of the 16-week period, rats were fasted for 12 hours. A solution rich in carbohydrates and amino acids was forced to be fed (orally) to half of the rats in each group. Then, 50 minutes before the sacrifice, all rats received a stable isotope tracer infusion (13C-valine) to measure the protein synthesis rate. After the sacrifice, blood, subcutaneous and perirenal adipose tissue, heart, liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and different types of skeletal muscles (soleus, plantaris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and quadriceps) of the hind limbs were collected.

[0226] Statistical analysis

[0227] Results are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the groups (effect of diet), followed by a post-Fischer test. Statistical analysis was performed using the software Statview and NCSS. When p < 0.05, the difference was considered significant. NS means no significant difference (ANOVA p> 0.05). Two-factor ANOVA was also used to study the effect of protein type and fiber. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by a post-test Tukey-Kramer test was used to study the time changes in weight, body composition and food intake.

[0228] 2. Results

[0229] No significant effect of protein type or dietary fiber presence on nitrogen balance was observed (2-way ANOVA- Figure 1-Figure 4 ). This effect was partially explained by a higher nitrogen balance in the fiber-consuming groups, especially in the presence of pea protein. The true nitrogen digestibility was highest in rats fed the whey diet and lowest in rats fed the diet containing inulin (p<0.05) compared to those measured in rats fed the other diets. Figure 2 ). The digestion rate of protein can be reduced, but due to the balanced amino acid composition according to the needs, its use by the organism can be optimized. In addition, despite the reduced digestion rate, the low nitrogen excretion in the urine reflects the reduced oxidation rate of the amino acids (and therefore reflects irreversible damage). Finally, balance is more preferred (less digestion but more efficient use).

[0230] The biological value was higher in rats consuming the inulin-containing diet compared to rats receiving the control and whey diets ( Figure 4 ). Likewise, the biological value tended to increase in rats fed pea protein.

Claims

1. Use of a composition comprising inulin and pea protein in the preparation of a medicament for preventing and / or reducing muscle mass loss in a subject, wherein the composition comprises at least 65% pea protein and inulin by weight of dry matter, wherein the ratio of inulin to pea protein is between 20 / 80 and 75 / 25 by weight, wherein the composition comprises at least 7 wt% inulin based on dry matter, wherein the composition comprises at least 10 wt% pea protein based on dry matter, wherein the pea protein is pea protein isolate, wherein the inulin is chicory inulin and has a degree of polymerization of 2 to 60 and an average degree of polymerization of 5 to 30.

2. Use according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 85% by weight of dry matter of pea proteins and inulin.

3. The use according to claim 1, wherein the subject suffers from or is at risk of muscle loss.

4. The use according to claim 1, wherein the subject suffers from insufficient physical activity, chronic diseases.

5. The use according to claim 4, wherein the chronic disease is diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia or cachexia.

6. Use of a composition comprising inulin and pea protein as a food or feed additive in the production of a food product or food supplement for increasing the biological value, net protein utilization and / or nitrogen balance in a subject, wherein the composition comprises at least 65% pea protein and inulin by weight of dry matter, wherein the ratio of inulin to pea protein is between 20 / 80 and 75 / 25 by weight, wherein the composition comprises at least 7 wt% inulin based on dry matter, wherein the composition comprises at least 10 wt% pea protein based on dry matter, wherein the pea protein is a pea protein isolate, wherein the inulin is chicory inulin and has a degree of polymerization of 2 to 60 and an average degree of polymerization of 5 to 30, and wherein the use is non-therapeutic.

7. Use according to claim 6, wherein the composition comprises at least 85% by weight of dry matter of pea proteins and inulin.

8. Use according to claim 6, wherein said food product or food supplement comprises between 0.1 and 40 g of said composition per serving of said food product or food supplement and / or comprises between 5% and 75% of said composition by weight of dry matter.

9. Use according to claim 8, wherein the food product or food supplement comprises between 0.5 and 30 wt.-% inulin, based on dry matter.

10. Use according to claim 8, wherein the food product or food supplement comprises between 5 and 50 wt.-% pea proteins based on dry matter.

11. Use according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the food product is a beverage product.

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