Beef versus plant protein for improving muscle-building responses in (pre)frail older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare the acute anabolic response to meals made from beef, tofu, or placebo in adults 65–95 identified as (pre)frail, using a novel stable isotope amino acid pulse method to measure intracellular amino acid bioavailability. Participants will attend a screening visit and four study days at Texas A&M, arriving fasted for each test day while body composition, muscle function, and blood samples are collected over several hours with participants lying supine. The protocol includes DXA for body composition, a six-minute walk test, and controlled meal challenges with measurement of essential and nonessential amino acid appearance and incorporation into muscle. Results will show whether beef provides a more favorable amino acid profile and anabolic response than plant protein in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 65-95 years old
* Ability to walk, sit down, and stand up (independently or with walking assistance device)
* No recent use (\< 4 weeks prior to start of the study) of dietary supplements and medication influencing protein and amino acid metabolism (e.g., antibiotics, oral corticosteroids)
* Willingness to lay supine in bed for up to 6 hours
* Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol

Exclusion criteria

* Presence of malnutrition (BMI \< 17 kg/m2), 2). BMI \>35 kg/m2 to avoid weight-related metabolic disturbances,
* Established diagnosis and active treatment of chronic disease: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, active malignancy, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, Asthma (moderate to severe), Hep (A, B, or C)
* History of untreated metabolic disease including hepatic or renal disorder
* Presence of fever within the last 3 days
* Cirrhosis of liver
* Diagnosis of dementia, neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, frontotemporal dementia).
* (Possible) pregnancy
* Presence of acute illness or metabolically unstable chronic illness
* Active dependence on alcohol or drugs
* Newly prescribed long-term oral corticosteroids
* Planned elective surgery requiring 2 or more days of hospitalization during the entire study
* Failure to give informed consent or Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the subject
* Already enrolled in another clinical trial
* Any condition according to the PI or nurse that was found during the screening visit, that would interfere with the study or safety of the patient
* Known allergy to any of the components of the feeding (soy, beef)
* Established daily diet of vegetarian/vegan composition

Where it's running

• Texas A&M University
  College Station, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marielle Engelen — Texas A&M University
• Study coordinator: Marielle Engelen, PhD
• Email: mpkj.engelen@ctral.org
• Phone: 9792202282

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Whole-food beef protein and amino acid oxidation in young adults

  This test will see how three dinner doses of minced beef affect 24-hour amino acid oxidation in healthy 18–35-year-olds.

  Recruiting Maastricht University Medical Center · Maastricht, Limburg · NCT07547176

• How different post-workout meals affect muscle protein building

  This trial tests whether eating potato plus beef, bread plus beef, or beef alone right after resistance exercise changes muscle protein building in healthy, recreationally active young adults.

  Recruiting University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Urbana, Illinois and 1 other locations · NCT07367854

• Stable isotope tracing in adults with obesity

  This research will test whether drinks labeled with safe stable isotopes can show how adults with obesity process glucose and protein.

  Recruiting University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Urbana, Illinois · NCT07020741

• Comparing plant and animal protein effects on older adults' metabolism

  This study is testing how different types of protein, from plants and animals, affect metabolism in older adults, especially those with muscle loss.

  Recruiting Texas A&M University · College Station, Texas · NCT06628349

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.