Pea Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Effects Of Different Protein Sources On Measures Of Oxidative Stress Following Eccentric Exercise

Oxidative stress, an increase in free radicals which can cause damage to macromolecules, has been understudied in regard to resistance exercise, and more specifically eccentric exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine markers of oxidative stress following an eccentric exercise bout in healthy men consuming either whey protein supplementation, pea protein supplementation, or control. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: whey protein supplementation, pea protein supplementation, or a eucaloric carbohydrate control (apple juice). Fasting blood samples were collected before subjects completed a 90-minute eccentric exercise bout. Another blood sample was collected immediately post-exercise and subjects reported to the lab at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-exercise for the collection of fasting blood samples. Antioxidant potential via Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and oxidative stress via lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were measured in serum samples from all six time points. There was no significant interaction found for FRAP (p=0.831); however, there was a significant main effect of time (p = 0.003). There was significant interaction found for LOOH (p=0.030). All three treatment groups showed similar increases in antioxidant capacity in response to the eccentric exercise bout, but there was no treatment effect.