Effects of protein and NAC on muscle recovery after injury
Official title: Effects of Whey Protein and N-acetylcysteine Co-ingestion on Skeletal Muscle Recovery Following Exercise-induced Muscle Damage.
Run by University of Thessaly · NCT06367413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if taking a combination of N-acetylcysteine and whey protein can help people recover better from muscle injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 27 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Thessaly Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trikala, Karies) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06367413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults without musculoskeletal injuries or chronic conditions who do not use certain medications or supplements.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with existing musculoskeletal injuries, chronic diseases, or those on specific medications 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 how the co-ingestion of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and whey protein affects recovery from aseptic muscle injury. Participants will undergo baseline assessments and then be randomly assigned to receive either a placebo, NAC, or NAC combined with whey protein. Following an eccentric exercise protocol, various measures of muscle performance and recovery will be taken at multiple time points. Blood samples will also be collected to analyze biochemical markers related to muscle damage and oxidative stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance recovery strategies for individuals suffering from muscle injuries, potentially improving their performance and reducing recovery time.
How similar studies have gone: While there is evidence suggesting NAC may aid in muscle recovery, this specific combination of NAC and whey protein is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Free of asthma, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers. * Free of musculoskeletal injuries and limitations. * Abstain from dietary energy restriction. * Do not use medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs or anticoagulants. * Do not use dietary supplements such as protein, carbohydrate, antioxidants, vitamins etc. * Free of N-acetylcysteine intolerance. * Non-smokers. * Abstain from alcohol throughout the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of asthma, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers. * Musculoskeletal injuries and limitations. * Dietary energy restriction. * Use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs or anticoagulants. * Use of dietary supplements such as protein, carbohydrate, antioxidants, vitamins etc. * N-acetylcysteine intolerance. * Smoking. * Alcohol consumption during the study.
Where it's running
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Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly
Trikala, Karies, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dimitrios Draganidis, PhD — University of Thessaly, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science
- Study coordinator: Dimitrios Draganidis, PhD
- Email: ddraganidis@uth.gr
- Phone: +30 2431047078
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.