Using leucine to improve muscle growth in older adults
Leucine Supplementation Strategies to Enhance Muscle Anabolic Responses in Older Age
This study tests if taking leucine, a type of protein, can help older adults aged 65-75 build more muscle when they exercise, by figuring out the best time to take it.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06567665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how leucine supplementation can enhance muscle protein synthesis in older adults aged 65-75 who do not regularly engage in resistance exercise. It aims to determine the optimal timing for leucine intake, either with meals or between meals, to maximize muscle mass gains following exercise. The research addresses the challenge of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss and weakness in aging populations, by exploring a nutritional strategy to improve muscle response to exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males aged 65-75 with a BMI between 18-28 who do not perform regular resistance exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with active cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, metabolic diseases, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a nutritional strategy to combat muscle loss in older adults, potentially improving their strength and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that leucine can enhance muscle protein synthesis, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male, 65-75 years of age * BMI 18-28 kg/m2 * Non smoker * Not performing regular resistance type exercise * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * A BMI \<18 or \>28 kg·m-2 * Active cardiovascular disease: uncontrolled hypertension (BP \> 160/100), angina, heart failure (class III/IV), arrhythmia, right to left cardiac shunt or recent cardiac event * Cerebrovascular disease: previous stroke, aneurysm (large vessel or intracranial) * Respiratory disease including pulmonary hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) * Metabolic disease: hyper and hypo parathyroidism, untreated hyper and hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, types 1 or 2 diabetes (treated and untreated), inborn/ congenital errors of metabolism (e.g. phenylketonuria (PKU), galactosaemia) * Active inflammatory bowel disease * Acute infection * Acute or chronic renal disease * Malignancy (or history of malignancy with 5 y) * Recent steroid treatment (within 6 mo), or hormone replacement therapy * Coagulopathy * Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders * Known allergies to any of the product ingredients * Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance
Where this trial is running
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
- University of Nottingham — Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew Brook, PhD — University of Nottingham
- Study coordinator: Joanne Mallinson, PhD
- Email: joanne.mallinson@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: 01158230127
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.