Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 35 to 65 Women only

Effects of whey protein on health in night shift workers

Official title: Effects of an Evening PROtein PrEload on Blood Glucose, Metabolic Health, and Gut Hormone Release in Night ShIfT Workers (PROPENSITy)

Run by University of Adelaide · NCT04869098 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if taking a whey protein supplement can help night shift workers improve their metabolic health compared to a placebo drink.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages35 Years to 65 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Adelaide
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Adelaide, South Australia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 27, 2021
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2025
Study endsJuly 31, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 24, 2024
Trial IDNCT04869098 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are female night shift workers aged 35-65 with a BMI between 28.0-35.0 kg/m2.

Probably not a fit

Patients who work standard daytime hours or have a personal history of diabetes or other significant health conditions 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 the impact of a whey protein supplement compared to a placebo on metabolic health outcomes in night shift workers. Participants will consume either a 30g whey protein preload or a matched placebo drink before their main evening meal for 12 days, with a 2-week washout period in between. Metabolic testing will be conducted at the start and end of each condition to assess changes in health metrics. The study aims to determine if protein supplementation can improve metabolic health in this unique population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary interventions that improve metabolic health for night shift workers, potentially reducing their risk of type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on dietary interventions for metabolic health, this specific approach targeting night shift workers with whey protein is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female
* Night shift workers (with a minimum of 6 months in their current shift work schedule)
* 35-65 years
* BMI 28.0-35.0 kg/m2; waist circumference \> 80cm
* Weight stable in the past 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those working standard day time hours only, or those who work less than three to four night shifts per fortnight on average
* Personal history and/or diagnosis of: diabetes, cancer, major psychiatric disorders, liver disease, gastro-intestinal surgery or disease (including malabsorption), eating disorders, anaemia, insomnia or cardiovascular disease, and/or any other condition deemed unstable by the study physician
* Taking medications known to alter body composition or metabolism, including (but not limited to): any medication used to lower blood glucose or antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues \[i.e. exenatide\], thiazolidinediones or DPP-IV inhibitors \[i.e. 'gliptins'\]), medications affecting weight, appetite or gut motility (i.e. diuretics, domperidone, cisapride, orlistat, phentermine, topiramate)
* Participants who are taking stable doses (i.e. \> 12 months) of androgenic medications (i.e. testosterone) or SSRI's will not be excluded. Personal history/diagnosis (self-reported) of diabetes (type 1 or 2), major psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders), gastrointestinal disorders, haematological disorders (i.e. thalassemia, iron-deficiency anaemia) insomnia, or any other medical condition, deemed unstable by the study physician
* Pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Those who have lost or gained \>5% of body weight in the last 6 months
* Those who consume four or more standard drinks on a single occasion at a 'daily or almost daily' occurrence
* current smokers of cigarettes/marijuana/e-cigarettes/vaporisers
* unable to comprehend the study protocol (i.e. due to English language or cognitive difficulties)

Where it's running

  • University of Adelaide
    Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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.
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.