Determining the dietary tryptophan needs of older adults
Official title: The Tryptophan Requirement in Healthy Adults Over 60 Years
Run by The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT06283706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how much tryptophan older adults need in their diet to stay healthy and support their body's protein needs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06283706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 60 to 90 years with a BMI under 30 who are willing to participate and provide consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic diseases or acute illnesses affecting protein metabolism, or those with significant dietary restrictions, 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 investigates the dietary requirements for tryptophan, an essential amino acid, in healthy adults aged 60 to 90 years. Using the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation method, the research aims to establish accurate tryptophan intake levels necessary for protein synthesis and overall health in older adults. Participants will undergo health assessments, including blood tests, to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and can tolerate the dietary interventions. The findings will contribute to better dietary planning for the aging population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved dietary guidelines that enhance the health and well-being of older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have successfully determined amino acid requirements in different populations, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for older adults as well.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Consent provided. * Aged 60 to 90 years old. * In good general health as evidenced by medical history, physical health and blood draw. * Fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), urea, creatinine. * Willingness to participate in the study. * BMI \<30 kg/m2. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of chronic disease and/or acute illness known to affect protein/amino acid metabolism (e.g. HIV, diabetes, taking medications known to affect protein/AA metabolism (e.g. steroids). * Inability to tolerate the diet (i.e. allergy). * Significant weight loss during the past month or consumption of weight reducing diets. * Significant caffeine consumption (\>2 cups per day). * Significant consumption of alcohol (\>1 drink per day i.e. 1 beer or ½ glass of wine). * Unwilling to have blood drawn from a venous access or using a ventilated hood indirect calorimeter for the purposes of the study.
Where it's running
-
Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Glenda Courtney-Martin, PhD, RD — The Hospital for Sick Children
- Study coordinator: Zhiyao Wang, MSc
- Email: zhiyao.wang@sickkids.ca
- Phone: 437 419 6224
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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.