Exploring the muscle-building effects of a lipid-rich pork diet
The Anabolic Properties of a Lipid-rich Pork Matrix
This study tests if eating a special pork diet can help active people aged 20-50 build more muscle compared to just taking protein supplements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05876299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how consuming a lipid-rich pork matrix influences muscle protein synthesis in recreationally active individuals aged 20-50. The research focuses on the anabolic properties of whole foods, particularly pork, compared to isolated protein sources. By examining nutrient interactions within the food matrix, the study aims to demonstrate enhanced muscle-building effects beyond what amino acids alone can achieve. Participants will consume different formulations of lean pork and a carbohydrate beverage to assess their impact on muscle health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pre-menopausal individuals aged 20-50 who are recreationally active and have maintained stable weight for the past six months.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range, pregnant individuals, or those with certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective dietary strategies for maintaining and enhancing muscle mass, benefiting overall metabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various studies on protein supplementation, this approach focusing on whole food matrices is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20-50 yrs * Pre-menopausal * Recreationally active * Weight stable for prior 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Age outside of range (20 - 50 yrs) * Pregnancy * Irregular menstrual cycles * Participation in previous research using \[13C6\]phenylalanine * Participation in other ongoing research that interferes with this study (e.g., conflicting diet, activity interventions, etc.) * Any hospitalization or surgery for a metabolic, cardiovascular, or neuromusculoskeletal complication within the past year * Allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, latex, or adhesives (bandages, medical tape, etc.) * Excess scarring after injury * History of excess bleeding after cut * Chronic or frequent dizziness/fainting, and arm or leg weakness/numbness * Arthritis * Tumors * Mental Illness * Hepatorenal, cardiovascular musculoskeletal, autoimmune, or neurological disease or disorder * Predisposition to hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation * Physical activity limitations * Consumption of ergogenic-levels of dietary supplements that may affect muscle mass (e.g., creatine, HMB), insulin-like substances, or anabolic/catabolic pro-hormones (e.g., DHEA) within 6 weeks prior to participation * Consumption of thyroid, androgenic, or other medications known to affect endocrine function * Consumption of medications known to affect protein metabolism (e.g., prescription-strength corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or acne medication) * Unwillingness to comply with study procedures * Weight unstable (variation \>5% of bodyweight in last 6-12 months) * Current or previous tobacco use with last 6 months * Obesity (body mass index; BMI \> 30 kg/m\^2) * Score of less than 14 or greater than 24 on Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire * Phenylketonuria * Anyone hospitalized previously for COVID-19 without a cardiovascular workup screening for cardiovascular issues post-infection * Anyone recovering from COVID-19 infection within the preceding 10 days
Where this trial is running
Urbana, Illinois
- Louise Freer Hall (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) — Urbana, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicholas A Burd, PhD — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Andrew T Askow, MS
- Email: askow2@illinois.edu
- Phone: (608) 630-0237
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.