How different doses of 'Super-whey' affect muscle building in older adults

Assessing the Dose-response of Muscle Protein Synthesis to "Super-whey" at Rest and in Response to Acute Exercise in Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of Nottingham · NCT05700058

This tests whether different doses of a leucine-rich 'Super-whey' protein help older adults increase muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 85 Years
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Nottingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Derby)
Trial IDNCT05700058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Older and young adult volunteers will receive varying doses of a leucine-rich 'Super-whey' protein supplement combined with resistance exercise to measure acute muscle protein synthesis responses. Participants are screened for cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, clotting, and lactose-intolerance exclusions and must fall within a specified BMI range. Researchers will compare dose-related changes in muscle protein synthesis between age groups to define a dose-response relationship. The protocol uses laboratory-based measures and on-site visits at a single clinical research center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65+ (with a young adult comparator group aged 18–35) who can safely perform resistance exercise, have BMI between 18 and 35 kg/m2, and do not have major cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, clotting conditions or lactose intolerance.

Not a fit: People with uncontrolled heart, lung, or metabolic disease, clotting or major neurological disorders, lactose intolerance, BMI <18 or >35, or those unable to perform resistance exercise are unlikely to be eligible or receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify the best protein dose to help older adults preserve or rebuild muscle and maintain independence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials with leucine-rich whey protein have shown increased muscle protein synthesis in older adults, but the optimal dosing and precise dose-response remain uncertain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is in the desired age-ranges (young adults: 18-35 years; older adults: 65+ years).
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Participant is physically able to perform resistance exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* A BMI \<18 or \>35 kg/m2
* Active cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or respiratory disease: e.g. uncontrolled hypertension (BP \> 160/100), angina, heart failure (class III/IV), arrhythmia, right to left cardiac shunt, recent cardiac event, COPD, pulmonary hypertension or recent (6 mo) stroke
* Any metabolic disease
* Clotting dysfunction
* A history of, or current neurological or musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. epilepsy)
* Lactose intolerance
* Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance

Where this trial is running

Derby

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 Sarcopenia
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.