Investigating protein digestion in older adults after bariatric surgery

Protein Digestion After Bariatric Surgery in Older Adults

Observational Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT06076187

This study is testing how well older adults digest protein after weight loss surgery to see how it affects their nutrition and muscle health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Leuven, Flemish Brabant and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06076187 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to explore how well older adults digest protein after undergoing bariatric surgeries, specifically Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. It will utilize a dual stable-isotope method to compare protein digestion in patients who have had these surgeries against a control group. Additionally, the study will examine the relationship between protein intake, protein digestion, and skeletal muscle mass, as well as the rate of free amino acid appearance. The findings could provide insights into nutritional needs and recovery for older adults post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include older adults aged 65 years or older who have undergone bariatric surgery or younger adults aged 18 to 65 without previous weight loss surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with current cancer diagnoses, advanced organ failure, or significant gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance dietary recommendations and nutritional support for older adults after bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on protein digestion post-bariatric surgery exist, this specific focus on older adults using a dual isotope method is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed informed consent
* Group 1,2,3: Age 65 years or older
* Group 4,5,6: Age 18 to 65 years
* Group 1,2,4,5: Previous bariatric surgery for obesity 1 - 10 years ago
* Group 3,6: No previous weight loss surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of cancer
* Advanced organ failure, including chronic kidney disease Stage 5, liver cirrhosis Stage 3, intestinal failure, heart failure stage D, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage 4.
* Immobility
* Neuromuscular degenerative conditions
* Gastrointestinal conditions including coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, previous resection of the small intestine, gastroparesis
* Unable to follow the procedures of the studies due to cognitive impairment such as diagnosed dementia.
* Allergy/intolerance to milk, or soy or spirulina

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Flemish Brabant and 1 other locations

Study contacts

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 Overweight and ObesityBariatric Surgery CandidateAgingProtein Malabsorption
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.