Daily Upgrade: Can an essential amino acid supplement help active women improve body composition and metabolism?

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial uses two phases: an acute crossover phase where participants receive EAA+, whey protein, or placebo before a HIIT session to measure metabolic and amino acid responses; and a chronic parallel-arm phase where daily EAA+ or placebo is taken for three weeks alongside supervised HIIT. Outcomes include metabolomics, amino acid kinetics, metabolic rate, body composition, exercise performance, fluid balance, and GI symptoms. It is conducted in healthy adult women, 25–45 years old, at the University of North Carolina with Sportiv, Inc. as collaborators. The study design is double-blind for the nutritional arms and randomized, with standardized testing surrounding exercise sessions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is an adult between the ages of 25-45 years
* Participant has a recorded BMI between 18.5-30 kg/m\^2
* Participant is apparently healthy and free from disease, as determined by a health history questionnaire
* Participant is a biological female
* Participant is naturally menstruating or uses a form of hormonal contraceptive
* Participant is recreationally active, based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form
* Participant agrees to abstain from caffeine (12 hours), tobacco, alcohol, and exercise for 24 hours prior to testing days
* Participant is willing and able to comply with the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant has been diagnosed with chronic heart disease, arrhythmias, thyroid disease, renal, hepatic, autoimmune or neurological diseases, as determined by a health history questionnaire.
* Participant has a musculoskeletal disorder or injury that would prohibit them from being able to safely complete the study protocol.
* Participant is currently enrolled in a separate clinical trial or weight loss program involving diet, exercise, physical activity, or the potential ingestion of an active drug or dietary supplement
* Participant is using, or has consistently used one of the following dietary supplements within 1 month prior to enrollment: whey protein, creatine, essential amino acids
* Participant has a known allergy or sensitivity to the placebo or active ingredients
* Participant is pregnant or planning to become pregnant
* Participant does not speak English or is hearing impaired

Where it's running

• Applied Physiology Laboratory
  Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Study coordinator: Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD
• Email: abbiesmith@unc.edu
• Phone: 919-962-2574

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.