Determining threonine needs in older adults
The Threonine Requirement in Healthy Adults Over 60 Years
This study is testing how much threonine older adults need in their diet to keep their gut health strong as they age.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06225648 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 60 to 90 years with a BMI under 30.
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.
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 performed: While studies on amino acid requirements exist, this specific focus on threonine in older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- 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
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.