Exploring the effects of branched chain amino acids on sleep in veterans
A Pilot Study of Dietary Supplementation With Branched Chain Amino Acids on Sleep
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Portland VA Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT03990909 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who experience sleep problems and are English-speaking.
Not a fit: Patients with decisional impairment, allergies to study components, or those currently taking BCAAs may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While BCAA supplementation has been studied in various populations, this specific approach in veterans recovering from traumatic brain injury is novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Portland, Oregon
- 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
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.