Effects of Ketosis and Protein on Muscle Recovery After Exercise
The Effects of Ketone Monoester Intake on Postprandial Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates in Young Adults During Recovery Following an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise
This study is testing if taking ketone supplements or whey protein, alone or together, can help healthy adults recover better from exercise by boosting muscle growth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT06769100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how ketone monoester and whey protein affect muscle protein synthesis rates during recovery from resistance exercise in healthy adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: ketone monoester, whey protein, a combination of both, or a placebo. After performing a unilateral lower-body resistance exercise, various blood samples will be collected to measure amino acids, glucose, and insulin levels. The goal is to determine if ketone supplementation can enhance the anabolic effects of protein intake post-exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-40 who are moderately active and have a BMI between 18.5 and 30.0.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or using certain hormonal contraceptives may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery strategies for athletes and individuals engaging in resistance training.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with protein supplementation in muscle recovery, but the specific combination of ketones and protein is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adult female or male participants who are 18-40 years of age (inclusive) BMI \>18.5 and \<30.0 kg/m2 * Moderately active (i.e., ≥ 1 session of lower-body weightlifting /week for the previous 2 months). * Has maintained stable use of medication and supplements (which are not limited by the exclusion criteria), stable dietary and lifestyle habits, and stable body weight, for the last 3 months prior to screening and agree to maintain them throughout the study. * Be willing to entirely avoid alcohol consumption 48hr prior to the experimental test day. * Willing and able to agree to the requirements and restrictions of this study, be willing to give voluntary consent, be able to understand and read the questionnaires, and carry out all study-related procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Females who are lactating or pregnant * Females using third-generation oral contraceptives (including: Desogen®, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen) as these are known to affect protein metabolism in females. * Individuals with metabolic disorders including: Type I or Type II diabetes * Individuals with a history of thrombosis / cardiovascular disease * Individuals who use of anticoagulants * Individuals with musculoskeletal / orthopedic disorders * Individuals with knee injuries (i.e., ACL injuries). * Individuals who have used tobacco products within the last 6 months * Individuals with a history of neuromuscular problems * Chronic usage of medications known to modulate skeletal muscle metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and over-the-counter supplements including creatine monohydrate) in the last 6 months. * Individuals with allergies to milk proteins (whey or casein). * Individuals with lactose intolerance * Individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU) * Previous participation in amino acid tracer studies. * Adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet * Current use of ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet * Individuals who train more than ≥ 5 sessions of lower-body weightlifting /week for the previous 4 months
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- McGill University — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tyler Churchward-Venne, PhD — Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University
- Study coordinator: Tyler Churchward-Venne, PhD
- Email: tyler.churchward-venne@mcgill.ca
- Phone: (514) 399-9684
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.