Comparing plant and milk protein supplements for older adults
The Effectiveness of Daily Protein Supplementation With a Plant Protein Blend or Milk Protein to Support Integrated Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates With and Without Exercise in Healthy Older Individuals
This study tests whether daily plant-based protein or milk protein supplements can help healthy older adults build and maintain muscle while they follow a specific diet and exercise plan.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Maastricht, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06403137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of daily supplementation with either a plant-based protein blend or milk protein on muscle protein synthesis in healthy older individuals aged 60 to 80. Participants will follow a standardized diet and engage in resistance exercise to assess how these protein sources contribute to muscle maintenance. The goal is to determine if these supplements can enhance muscle protein build-up compared to a standard diet, particularly for those consuming suboptimal protein amounts. The study aims to provide insights into sustainable protein sources for aging populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy older adults aged 60 to 80 with a BMI between 18.5 and 30.
Not a fit: Patients who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, have milk intolerances, or have certain health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help improve muscle mass and overall health in older adults, potentially reducing the risk of sarcopenia and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with protein supplementation in older adults, but the specific comparison of plant versus milk protein is less explored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female sex * Aged between 60 and 80 y inclusive * BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Following a self-reported vegetarian and vegan diet the 6 months prior to the study. * Intolerant to milk products * Corn allergy * Pea allergy * Participating currently or in the 3 months prior to the study in a structured (progressive) exercise program. * Smoking regularly (i.e. \>5 cigarettes/week) * History of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, neurological, psychiatric, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, metabolic, endocrine, haematological, immunologic disorders, allergy, major surgery and/or laboratory assessments which might limit participation in or completion of the study protocol, interfere with the execution of the experiment, or potential influence the study outcomes (to be decided by the principal investigator and responsible physician) * Diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) * Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg) * Donated blood 3 months prior to test day * Use of any medications that interferes with study participation and/or outcomes (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, gastric acid suppressing medication) as assessed by the responsible medical doctor. * Use of DOAC, vitamin-K-antagonist, or multiple anticoagulants * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Maastricht, Limburg
- Maastricht University Medical Center+ — Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luc van Loon, PhD — Maastricht University
- Study coordinator: Wesley Hermans, MSc
- Email: w.hermans@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Phone: 0031433881810
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.