Leucine Needs in School-Age Children
Official title: Determination of Leucine Requirements in Healthy School-Age Children Using the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation Method
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT07492095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how much leucine healthy children aged 6–10 need in their daily diet using a safe, non-invasive method.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 7 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07492095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy children aged 6 to 10 years who are within the WHO growth percentiles and have assent plus parental consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with acute or chronic illnesses or those unable to comply with study procedures may not benefit from this research.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study aims to determine the dietary leucine requirement for healthy school-age children using the minimally invasive indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) protocol. It employs a randomized crossover design to estimate the minimum leucine intake needed for growth and metabolism, with 7 participants undergoing repeated measurements. Breath tests and urinary markers will be collected to assess amino acid metabolism under controlled dietary leucine intakes. The research is conducted at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute with oversight from the University of British Columbia. Results could refine pediatric leucine recommendations beyond adult-derived values.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more accurate dietary guidelines for leucine in children, supporting healthy growth and development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in adults and limited pediatric data using IAAO supports the feasibility of this approach, though pediatric-specific leucine targets are not yet established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy children * Aged 6 to 10 years at enrollment * Body weight between the 3rd and 85th percentile according to WHO Child Growth Standards * Assent from the child and written informed consent from parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of any acute or chronic medical condition * Current use of prescription medication that may affect protein or energy metabolism * Recent weight loss * Recent illness (fever, vomiting, severe runny nose within the past 5 days) * Inability to comply with study procedures
Where it's running
-
BC Children's Hospital Research Institute
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rajavel Elango — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Kendall Plant
- Email: kendall.plant@bcchr.ca
- Phone: 604-875-2000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Acute Blood Flow Restriction Walking in Type 2 Diabetes
This study tests whether adding blood flow restriction to treadmill walking affects immune cells in adults with type 2 diabetes.
-
Wellness program for PSP and CBD: a virtual multimodal lifestyle approach
This study tests a virtual 8-week program combining chair yoga, voice strengthening, and peer support to see if it improves emotional wellbeing and quality of life for adults with PSP or CBD and whether it eases caregiver burden.
-
Effects of Exercise Snacks on Muscle Size and Strength in Healthy Young Adults
This study tests whether many small workouts throughout the week can build muscle size and improve strength in healthy, untrained young adults compared with the usual twice-weekly workouts.
-
Can a phone version of the Mini-Cog identify cognitive impairment before surgery?
This study tests whether a telephone-based Mini-Cog can reliably detect cognitive impairment in adults 65 and older before they have surgery.
-
Ivabradine to lower heart rate during exercise in healthy adults
This study tests whether taking ivabradine can slow heart rate during exercise in healthy young and older adults.
-
Choose to Move Replacement Ready for OA patients waiting for hip or knee replacement
This program tests a tailored, online version of a 3-month activity and social-connection plan for older adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis who are waiting for joint replacement surgery to see if it improves physical activity and health while they wait.
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.