Comparing beef and vegetarian diets on muscle fatigue in older adults

The Effect of Beta-Alanine and Carnosine From Beef Intake on Muscle Fatigue in Older Adults

NA · Indiana University · NCT05860088

This study is testing whether eating beef or a vegetarian diet helps older adults feel less muscle fatigue and improves their muscle health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University (other)
Locations1 site (Bloomington, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT05860088 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a beef diet versus a vegetarian diet on muscle fatigue in older adults aged 60-85. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either diet for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period before switching diets for another 8 weeks. The study aims to determine if beef consumption can reduce muscle fatigue and improve biochemical markers related to muscle health. Body composition and functional muscle outcomes will be assessed, along with blood sample collection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60-85 who can adhere to the study diet and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with significant orthopedic limitations or those unable to perform muscle fatigue tests may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary recommendations that enhance muscle health and reduce fatigue in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions have been explored, this specific comparison of beef versus vegetarian diets on muscle fatigue in older adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Ages 60-85 years
* Ability to eat study diet meals for a total of 16 weeks
* Ability to perform sit-to-stand chair and 6-minute walking tests based on results from PAR-Q questionnaire
* Ability to provide fasted blood samples
* Access to transportation
* Willing to abstain from alcohol consumption and/or use illicit drug use for each 8-week intervention period
* Ability to consent to participating in this study
* English-speaking
* Body mass index between 18.5 (normal) and 39.9 (obese) kg/m2
* Minimum total body weight of 110 pounds
* Non-anemia hemoglobin values: Females - \>12.0 grams/dL; Men - \>13.0 grams/dL
* Able to ambulate without assistance
* Physician's clearance for study participation (required prior to baseline testing)

Exclusion Criteria

* Inability or refusal to sign the informed consent
* Significant orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to exercise
* Inability or refusal to perform muscle fatigue tests
* Has dietary restrictions that prevent to consumption of beef, soy and/or wheat
* Has liver or kidney complications
* Live or work \>25 miles from Bloomington study site or does not have transportation to the study site
* Anticipate elective surgery during the study period
* Diagnosis of progressive neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
* Fracture or serious injury in the last 6 months
* Stroke, revascularization, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism in the past 12 months
* Severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled systemic hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease
* Plan to move residence or travel out of the local area during the study period
* Current use of anti-coagulants (e.g. Coumadin or Warfarin)
* Current use of prescription medications that affect heart rate or blood vessel dilation
* Psychological or social characteristics that would interfere with their ability to fully participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Bloomington, Indiana

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Muscle Weakness, Muscle, Fatigue, Heart, Older Adults, Body Composition, Diet, Vegetarian, Meat

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.