Comparing plant and animal protein effects on older adults' metabolism
Official title: Prandial Metabolic Phenotyping in Sarcopenic Older Adults Comparing Plant Based and Whey Based Protein
Run by Texas A&M University · NCT06628349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Texas A&M University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (College Station, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06628349 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults aged 50-95 who are stable in body weight and able to perform basic mobility tasks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic diseases or metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or heart disease, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
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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
- Email: mpkj.engelen@ctral.org
- Phone: 979-220-2282
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
-
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.
-
Beef versus plant protein for improving muscle-building responses in (pre)frail older adults
This study will test whether a beef meal, a tofu meal, or a placebo produces a stronger muscle-building response in adults aged 65–95 with (pre)frailty.
-
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.
-
Amylopectin‑chromium supplement and protein balance in peri- and post-menopausal women
This study will test whether taking an amylopectin‑chromium supplement with protein after a short resistance exercise bout helps peri- and post-menopausal women maintain a positive whole‑body protein balance and influences 24‑hour glucose control.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.