Plant-based protein sauce to improve amino acid absorption without excess fullness in older adults
Testing the Effect of a Plant-based, Protein-dense Sauce (ProSauce) on Metabolic Availability of Essential Amino Acids and Gut Fullness and Satiety in Older Adults
This test will try whether a plant-based, protein-rich sauce helps older adults absorb essential amino acids better without making them feel too full.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Exeter Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Exeter, Devon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06965699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized crossover test compares a plant-based, protein-dense sauce (ProSauce) with a commercially available low-protein sauce in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and over. Participants consume each meal in random order with at least a one-week washout and provide venous blood samples over a six-hour postprandial period to measure plasma essential and non-essential amino acids and insulin. The study also records subjective gut fullness and satiety to see if the liquid high-protein format suppresses appetite. Individuals with medical conditions or medications that could affect metabolism are excluded to isolate the effect of the sauces.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 60 or older who can consent, are non-smokers, weight-stable, and without major medical conditions or medications that affect metabolism.
Not a fit: People with diabetes, renal failure, recent hospitalisation, cognitive or mobility impairment, smokers, or those on medications that alter metabolism are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an easy way to boost essential amino acid availability in older adults and help prevent or treat protein-related malnutrition without reducing food intake.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows protein-fortified foods can increase amino acid availability in older adults, but plant-based, liquid high-protein formulations have been less studied and results are mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 60 and over * Living independently in the community * Capacity to provide informed consent * Non-smoking (vaping is considered smoking) * No known medical conditions that might influence the study outcomes, e.g., heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, disthyroidism and other endocrinopathies and renal failure * Not taking any medications that might influence the study outcomes e.g., taking anabolic steroids or corticosteroids long term * No clinically diagnosed eating disorders * No severe dislike or allergy to any of the study food * No hospitalisations in the last 6 months * Not dieting and weight stable for 3 months before the study (\< 3 kg change in weight) Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 60y * Smoking * Food allergies * Cognitive and mobility issues * Hospitalisation in the last 6 months * Known medical conditions that might influence the study outcomes * Taking medications that influence the study outcomes
Where this trial is running
Exeter, Devon
- University of Exeter — Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joanna Bowtell, Prof — University of Exeter
- Study coordinator: Zhuoxiu Jin, Dr
- Email: z.jin3@exeter.ac.uk
- Phone: +447529283410
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.