Breath test to measure protein processing during different physical activities

Non-Invasive Modified Breath Test to Determine Anabolic Sensitivity Across Physical Activity States in Healthy Young Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of Toronto · NCT06209424

This study is testing a breath test to see how different levels of physical activity affect how young adults process protein in their bodies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06209424 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to refine a breath test method to assess how the body processes protein under various physical activity states, including rest, reduced activity, and resistance exercise. By using a lower amount of dietary amino acids in the breath test, researchers hope to effectively measure the body's anabolic sensitivity and protein synthesis rates. The study focuses on understanding the impact of habitual activity levels on muscle protein synthesis, particularly in healthy young adults. The findings could lead to better strategies for maintaining lean body mass and preventing muscle loss in various populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy young adults aged 18-35 with a normal to overweight BMI.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases, recent cancer remission, or those on medications affecting muscle protein synthesis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into optimizing dietary protein intake and exercise regimens to preserve muscle mass, especially in aging populations or those with certain health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using breath tests for protein metabolism is innovative, similar studies have shown the importance of physical activity on protein synthesis, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy young (age: 18-35 years)
* BMI between normal to overweight (18.5-29.9 kg/m2)
* if oral contraceptive (OC) user, must be on monophasic OCs for at least 3 months prior to study
* if non-OC user, then must have regular menstrual cycles (length: 25-35 days) for at least 3 months prior to study and at least 6 months off of OCs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic disease diagnosis (cardiovascular, thyroid, diabetes)
* Current or recent remission of cancer
* Regular use of NSAID (except low-dose aspirin), anticoagulants
* Use of prescription drugs that would impact muscle protein synthesis (e.g., Statins, Lithium, ADHD medication, etc..)
* Insertion of intrauterine device (IUD) - exception: copper
* Smoking
* Use of illicit drugs (growth hormones, testosterone)

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Resistance ExercisePhysical InactivityAmino AcidsDietary ProteinSexStep-ReductionHabitual ActivityProtein Metabolism
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.