PeptiStrong plus whey versus standard whey for muscle strength in older adults

The Effects of PeptiStrong and Low Dose Whey Protein Versus High Dose Whey Protein Alone on Muscle Function In Older Adults

This study tests whether a lower-protein drink that combines PeptiStrong with whey helps people aged 60–85 keep or improve muscle strength as well as a standard 20 g whey drink.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Nuritas Ltd (industry)
• Locations: 1 site (Liverpool)
• Trial ID: NCT07528469 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Community-dwelling adults aged 60–85 will be assigned to consume one of two daily protein drinks for 30 days: a standard 20 g whey drink or a 10 g drink combining whey and PeptiStrong (a fava bean hydrolysate). Physical function will be measured with tasks such as standing up from a chair, normal-paced walking, balance tests, and hand grip strength, and blood markers for inflammation and fatigue plus quality-of-life questionnaires will be collected. Measurements are taken at baseline and after the 30-day intervention during two visits to the research site. The goal is to see if the lower-protein PeptiStrong drink produces equal or greater improvements in function and related biomarkers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Community-dwelling men and women aged 60–85 who can walk independently, can perform simple physical tests, are willing to drink a daily whey-containing supplement for 30 days, and have no allergy to milk or fava bean or contraindicating kidney disease.

Not a fit: People with kidney disease, known allergies to milk or fava bean protein, significant functional impairment that prevents completing the tests, implanted electronic devices, or other medical contraindications are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide similar or better muscle benefits with less total protein, making supplementation easier and potentially helping older adults maintain independence.

How similar studies have performed: Higher-protein supplementation has improved muscle outcomes in older adults previously, but using a fava bean peptide hydrolysate like PeptiStrong to halve the protein dose is relatively novel with limited clinical evidence so far.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women aged 60 to 85 years at the time of enrolment
* Community-dwelling (living independently or with minimal assistance)
* Able to walk independently (with or without a walking aid) and complete simple physical function tests (such as standing up from a chair and walking short distances)
* Willing and able to attend two study visits at the research facility (baseline and end of study)
* Willing and able to consume a protein drink containing whey protein (derived from milk) once daily for 30 days
* Able to understand the study information and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any known food allergy or intolerance to fava bean protein or milk protein
* Diagnosed kidney disease or any medical condition where increased protein intake is contraindicated
* Yes to any of the answers on the "Older Adult Functional Assessment Screening Questionnaire"
* Individuals with implanted electronic devices
* Current or recent (within the past 3 months) participation in another clinical research study involving a nutritional or exercise intervention
* Conditions that significantly impair mobility or balance such that safe completion of the physical function tests is not possible

Where this trial is running

Liverpool

• LJMU, Byrom Street — Liverpool, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Graeme Close, Professor — Liverpool John Moore University
• Study coordinator: Niamh Mohan, PhD

Conditions: Healthy Ageing, Protein Supplementation, Muscle Health, Muscle Function, Hand Grip Strength, Longevity, Peptides, Healthy Aging