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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 60 to 90

Determining threonine needs in older adults

Official title: The Threonine Requirement in Healthy Adults Over 60 Years

Run by The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT06225648 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how much threonine older adults need in their diet to keep their gut health strong as they age.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages60 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 3, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2025
Study endsSeptember 30, 2025
Registry record updatedMay 30, 2025
Trial IDNCT06225648 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.

Probably not a fit

Patients with chronic diseases or acute illnesses affecting protein metabolism, or those on medications that influence amino acid metabolism, 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 establish the dietary threonine requirement for adults aged 60 years and older. It utilizes the minimally invasive Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation (IAAO) method to assess how much threonine is necessary for maintaining intestinal mucosal health as individuals age. The research is motivated by evidence that older adults may have different nutritional needs compared to younger individuals, particularly regarding essential amino acids like threonine. By understanding these requirements, the study seeks to improve dietary recommendations for the aging population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved dietary guidelines that enhance intestinal health and overall well-being in older adults.

How similar studies have gone: While studies on amino acid requirements exist, this specific focus on threonine in older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

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, cancer, liver or kidney disease, acute cold or flu)
* 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

  • The Hospital for Sick Children
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Glenda Courtney-Martin, MSc, PhD, RD — The Hospital for Sick Children
  • Study coordinator: Alyssa Paoletti, PhD, MSc
  • Email: alyssa..paoletti@sickkids.ca
  • Phone: 4164207076

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.