Comparing plant and animal protein effects on older adults' metabolism

Prandial Metabolic Phenotyping in Sarcopenic Older Adults Comparing Plant Based and Whey Based Protein

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

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years to 95 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Texas A&M University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (College Station, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT06628349 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate how plant-based and whey-based proteins influence protein metabolism in older adults, particularly focusing on sarcopenic individuals. Researchers will utilize a sip feeding model to assess the anabolic responses to different protein types, examining the kinetic responses of essential and non-essential amino acids. The study will involve both sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults, stratified by age, and will take place at the Center for Translational Research on Aging and Longevity at Texas A&M University. Participants will undergo screening and several study days, with data collected on body composition and muscle function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 50-95 who are stable in body weight and able to perform basic mobility tasks.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases or metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or heart disease, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional strategies for preventing and treating sarcopenia in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored protein metabolism in older adults, but this specific comparison of plant versus animal protein in the context of sarcopenia is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 50-95 years old
* Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); COPD group only
* Stable body-weight (±5%) for the past 3 months
* Ability to walk, sit down, and stand up (independently or with walking assistance device)
* Willingness to lay supine in bed for up to 6 hours
* Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* 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 acute illness or metabolically unstable chronic illness
* Hysterectomy
* Active dependence of alcohol or drugs
* Use of short course of oral corticosteroids within 4 weeks preceding study day
* Current use of long-term oral corticosteroids
* Use of protein or amino acids containing nutritional supplements within 5 days of the first study day
* Presence of fever within the last 3 days
* Planned elective surgery requiring 2 or more days of hospitalization during the entire study
* (Possible) pregnancy
* 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, pea, or whey - dairy)
* Established daily diet of vegetarian / vegan composition
* \<23 MoCa score

Where this trial is running

College Station, Texas

• Texas A&M University - CTRAL — College Station, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marielle Engelen, PhD — Texas A&M University
• Study coordinator: Marielle Engelen, PhD

Conditions: Protein Metabolism, Prandial, Sarcopenia, Plant protein, Animal protein