Midtveisevaluering - Iselin Vildmyren

Effects of fish proteins on biomarkers related to metabolic disease in lean adults and adults with overweight / obesity

A high intake of fish is associated with positive health effects, including prevention and possibly treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases. These health effects have traditionally been attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, but recent studies have suggested that fish proteins may improve biomarkers of metabolic disease related to overweight and obesity, in addition to increasing muscle mass.

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of fish protein taken as supplements in lean physically active adults, and in physically inactive adults with overweight / obesity. Primary outcomes in the Ph.D. project are changes in biomarkers and metabolites related to glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Secondary outcomes are changes in body composition (muscle mass and fat mass) and appetite regulating hormones. The effects of fish protein supplements will be investigated through two clinical intervention trials.

Two fish protein supplements are utilised for this Ph.D. project. Both supplements are produced from cod, either from the muscle/ fillet or from rest-raw material (head, bone, skin and entrails). Findings from the current project may increase our knowledge on health effects of fish protein.In addition, as more than 200 000 tons of rest raw material from the white fish industry are discarded from Norwegian fishing vessels every year, our findings may provide support for more profitable and environmentally sustainable fish production.