Effects of protein and NAC on muscle recovery after injury

Effects of Whey Protein and N-acetylcysteine Co-ingestion on Skeletal Muscle Recovery Following Exercise-induced Muscle Damage.

Not applicable Interventional University of Thessaly · NCT06367413

This study is testing if taking a combination of N-acetylcysteine and whey protein can help people recover better from muscle injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 27 Years
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Thessaly Academic / other
Locations1 site (Trikala, Karies)
Trial IDNCT06367413 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults without musculoskeletal injuries or chronic conditions who do not use certain medications or supplements.

Not a fit: Patients with existing musculoskeletal injuries, chronic diseases, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Trikala, Karies

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Aseptic Muscle Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.