Plant proteins plus exercise for improving protein metabolism in older adults
Innovative Plant Proteins Fibre and Physical Activity Solutions to Modulate Whole Body and Skeletal Muscle Protein Metabolism in Older Adults
This study will test whether a new plant-protein mix combined with a short physical activity program helps inactive older adults digest protein better and keep more amino acids for muscle than whey protein.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Clermont-Ferrand) |
| Trial ID | NCT07155824 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized crossover study will enroll 12 inactive men aged 65 and older to compare a novel plant-protein/fiber product with 30 g whey protein given within a complete meal on two separate kinetic days. Investigators will use stable isotope tracers ([15N] leucine in the meal and [1-13C] leucine intravenously), serial blood sampling over 420 minutes, and open-circuit indirect calorimetry to measure splanchnic extraction, dietary amino acid bioavailability, and whole-body protein metabolism. Participants will complete a physical activity program and investigators will collect a postprandial muscle biopsy after the plant-protein meal to examine muscle signalling and metabolic markers. The design aims to measure both acute postprandial kinetics and changes associated with the activity program.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are inactive men aged 65 or older with BMI 22–30 kg/m² who can attend in-person visits and agree to procedures including indirect calorimetry, blood sampling, a physical activity program, and a muscle biopsy.
Not a fit: People who are already physically active, women (the trial enrolls men only), those with unstable medical conditions or incompatible medications, or those unable to undergo biopsies or attend in-person visits are unlikely to receive benefit from this specific protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify plant-protein formulations and exercise steps that help older adults preserve muscle by improving protein digestion and retention.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work generally shows whey more consistently stimulates muscle protein synthesis than many single-source plant proteins, but enriched plant blends and combined exercise have narrowed that difference, and this trial applies novel plant-fiber formulations with detailed tracer methods.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 22-30 kg/m² * Inactive (\<150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week and no regular resistance training), * Covered by a social security system * Agrees to undergo the study interventions (undirect calorimetry, functional tests, physical activity program) Exclusion Criteria: * Hamilton HAD scale with a score \> 9 * Subject with a pathology or treatment (diabetic on insulin, corticosteroids \> 8 days, neuroleptics, anticoagulant, antiplatelet) judged by the investigator as incompatible with the study * Subject with unstabilized thyroid dysfunction for at least 3 months * Subject with unstabilized hypertension for at least 3 months * Subject with a medical and/or surgical history judged by the investigator as incompatible with the trial * More than 21 alcoholic drinks per week * Heavy smoker (\>10 cigarettes/day) * Currently participating in another intervention study * Absence of informed consent * Inability to participate in physical activity * Allergy(ies) or refusal to consume one of the foods tested as part of the the study * Allergy to local anesthetics * Declared glaucoma * Prostate hypertrophy * Refusal to register in the national file of volunteers who participate in research involving human beings * Subject in a period of exclusion from a previous study or having received a total amount of compensation greater than 6,000 euros over the 12 months preceding the start of the trial (after verification in the File of Volunteers for Research involving Human Beings) * Patients under guardianship, curatorship, deprived of liberty or legal protection * Subject with claustrophobia
Where this trial is running
Clermont-Ferrand
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand — Clermont-Ferrand, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yves Boirie — University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand
- Study coordinator: Lise Laclautre
- Email: promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr
- Phone: +33473754963
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.