Time-restricted eating with protein in older adults
Official title: The Effects of Time-restricted Eating (TRE) With and Without Additional Protein on Body Composition, Muscle Function and Markers of Metabolic Health in Older Adults
Run by University of Surrey · NCT07314658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether a 16-hour overnight time-restricted eating schedule, with or without a 30 g daily plant protein supplement in the morning or evening, improves body composition, muscle strength, and metabolic markers in generally healthy adults aged 60 and older.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Surrey Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Guildford) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07314658 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are generally healthy men and women aged 60 or older with BMI 23–30 kg/m2, stable weight, a regular three-meal pattern, fasting ≤12 hours at baseline, and the ability to prepare a protein supplement.
✕Probably not a fit
People with kidney impairment, recent heart attack or stroke, active cancer treatment, insulin-dependent diabetes, conditions or medications that prevent 16-hour fasting, a history of eating disorders, those outside the age or BMI range, or who are actively trying to lose weight are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups: continue habitual eating, 16-hour overnight time-restricted eating (eat 12–8 pm), TRE plus a morning 30 g plant protein supplement, or TRE plus an evening 30 g plant protein supplement. The study includes two in-person visits at the University of Surrey for baseline and end-of-intervention measurements using DEXA for body composition, hand grip and 30-second sit-to-stand tests for muscle function, weight, and blood draws for lipid, glucose, and insulin sensitivity markers. Eligibility is limited to generally healthy men and women aged 60+ with BMI 23–30 kg/m2, stable weight, regular eating patterns, and no major medical exclusions. Participants are expected to follow the assigned eating window and supplement instructions for the intervention period and return for the final measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help older adults preserve muscle and improve metabolic health through a simple change in meal timing and optional protein supplementation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous TRE studies have shown metabolic and weight benefits in younger adults and some older cohorts, but the added value of timed protein supplementation in older adults remains limited and less well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Gender: male and female * Age range: 60 years or older * Fasting for 12 or less hours on a daily basis * BMI range: 23-30 kg/m2 * Weight stability: no more than 3kg weight gain or loss in the past 3 months * Regular eating pattern, i.e. 3 meals a day * Able to prepare the protein supplement Exclusion Criteria: * Any of the following present (in line with exclusion criteria used in previous TRE research in older adults): * known renal impairment * heart attack or stroke in the past three months * continuous use of supplemental oxygen to manage a chronic pulmonary condition or heart failure * rheumatoid arthritis * Parkinson's disease * active treatment for cancer in the past year * insulin dependent diabetes mellitus * taking medications that preclude fasting for 16 h * actively trying or planning to lose weight * history of an eating disorder * outside of stated age or BMI range * fasting for longer than 12 hours on a daily basis * unable to prepare the protein supplement * extreme morning/evening chronotype * sleep disorders * regular meal skipping * history of difficulty having a blood sample taken * Recent exposure to high-dose radiation * Vigorous exercise on more than 3 occasions a week
Where it's running
-
University of Surrey
Guildford, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yana Petkova
- Email: yp00228@surrey.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 7513 679 635
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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.