Exploring the effects of branched chain amino acids on sleep in veterans
Official title: A Pilot Study of Dietary Supplementation With Branched Chain Amino Acids on Sleep
Run by Portland VA Medical Center · NCT03990909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if taking branched chain amino acids can help improve sleep and thinking skills in veterans who have had a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Portland VA Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03990909 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who experience sleep problems and are English-speaking.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with decisional impairment, allergies to study components, or those currently taking BCAAs 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 potential benefits of dietary supplementation with branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) on sleep quality and cognitive function in veterans with traumatic brain injury. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either BCAAs, rice protein, or a placebo for 21 days, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine the feasibility of BCAA supplementation in improving sleep-wake patterns and cognitive function in this population. Various measures, including self-report questionnaires and cognitive tests, will be utilized to evaluate outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sleep quality and cognitive function for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: While BCAA supplementation has been studied in various populations, this specific approach in veterans recovering from traumatic brain injury is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran * English Speaking * Accessible via phone * Sleep problems Exclusion Criteria: * Decisional impairment * Nickel allergy * Maple syrup urine disease or family history of disease * Allergy to sucralose * Currently taking BCAAs
Where it's running
-
VA Portland Health Care System
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Miranda M Lim, MD, PhD — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Miranda M Lim, MD, PhD
- Email: lmir@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 503-220-8262
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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.