RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of 12-week Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation on the Human Muscle Function of Healthy, Recreationally Active Adults

This research aims to find out if a specific protein supplement, derived from milk and known as bioactive whey protein concentrate, can boost muscle strength and power in healthy adults who are regularly active. The study will last 12 weeks and involve comparing this supplement with a look-alike dummy supplement (placebo) that doesn't contain the active ingredient. Researchers are keen to see if any improvements are more noticeable in older adults compared to younger adults. The aim is to understand how this supplement might affect muscles, as some previous studies have suggested potential benefits, though more research is needed to be sure. Participants will be divided into two groups, with one receiving the active supplement and the other receiving the placebo.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Loughborough University

Enrolment target

Start

28 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Ageing Well Neuromuscular Function

What is this study about?

Many people are interested in ways to keep their muscles strong and working well as they age, and some turn to food supplements for help. Researchers are looking closely at a component found in milk, called Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), which is part of a supplement known as bioactive whey protein concentrate. They want to find out if taking this supplement for 12 weeks can improve how well muscles work in healthy, active adults.

This study is particularly interested in whether the supplement has a different impact on younger adults (aged 18-30) compared to older adults (aged 60-75). The research team believes that people taking the active supplement might see an increase in their muscle strength and power, and that this improvement could be more significant in the older group. They will be carefully measuring various aspects of muscle function to see if these changes occur.

To make sure the study is fair, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active milk-based supplement or a placebo. A placebo is a dummy supplement that looks and tastes the same but doesn't contain the specific active ingredient being tested. This helps researchers determine if any observed effects are genuinely due to the supplement or just a result of taking something. This kind of careful study helps us understand the true effects of such supplements.

Key takeaways

Tests a milk-based protein supplement for muscle function.
Compares effects in young (18-30) and older (60-75) active adults.
Participation involves 5 visits for muscle assessments.
Study lasts 12 weeks with daily supplement intake.
Aims to see if muscle strength and power improve.
Participants receive either active supplement or a placebo.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy man or woman who is either between 18 and 30 years old, or between 60 and 75 years old. You should also be regularly active, meaning you meet the UK government's suggested physical activity levels (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week).

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. For example, if you have any medical condition or injury that would make it difficult or unsafe for you to exercise. This includes high blood pressure that isn't under control, or any muscle or nerve diseases. You also can't have had any severe leg or back injuries in the last six months, or even a minor one in the last month that stopped you from your normal activities for more than a day.

Additionally, if you're allergic to dairy or peas, or are lactose intolerant, you wouldn't be able to join. If you already take certain supplements like protein powders, creatine, or fish oil, or if you're on specific medications like blood thinners or some antidepressant/anti-anxiety drugs, this study might not be suitable for you. The researchers also need to make sure your diet isn't too extreme and that you don't do more than 6 hours of structured exercise per week.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18-30 or 60-75 years old?
Are you generally healthy and able to exercise?
Do you meet UK government guidelines for weekly physical activity?
Are you free from severe leg/back injuries in the last 6 months?
Are you free from dairy/pea allergies or lactose intolerance?
Are you not taking protein or specific other supplements/medications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first visit Loughborough University for a familiarisation session lasting about 1.5 hours. This is where you'll get used to the tests. After that, over a two-week period, you'll come back for two main measurement sessions, each lasting about 2 hours. During these sessions, researchers will take initial measurements of your muscle function. Following these initial visits, you'll be asked to take a specific supplement (either the active one or the placebo) once a day for 12 weeks, making sure to keep up with your usual diet and exercise routine. At the end of the 12 weeks, you'll return for two more 2-hour measurement sessions to see how your muscle function has changed. In total, you'll attend 5 laboratory sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you some personal benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your own muscle function. If you receive the active supplement, there's a possibility you could experience improvements in your muscle strength and power, though this isn't guaranteed. As with any study involving exercise, there's a small risk of discomfort or minor injury during physical assessments. You might also experience mild digestive issues from the supplements, though these are typically mild. Your safety is important, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect any care you receive in the future.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Loughborough University
Verified postcode
Loughborough, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM)'?

MFGM is a natural ingredient found in milk that surrounds tiny fat droplets. It contains various components that researchers are exploring for their potential health benefits, including supporting muscle function.

What is a 'placebo' in a study?

A placebo is a 'dummy' product designed to look and taste exactly like the active supplement but doesn't contain the specific ingredient being tested. This helps researchers compare the effects fairly.

Why are there different age groups in the study?

Researchers want to see if the supplement has a different impact on muscle function depending on your age, comparing results between younger and older adults.

Will I know if I'm getting the active supplement or the placebo?

No, this is a 'double-blind' study, meaning neither you nor the research team will know whether you're receiving the active supplement or the placebo until after the study is complete. This helps keep the results unbiased.

How many times do I need to visit the university?

You will need to attend 5 sessions in total at Loughborough University: one initial familiarisation session and four main measurement sessions spread over the study period.

How to find out more

Edward Sadula, BSc, MSc

e.sadula2@lboro.ac.uk 07477 866809 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.