Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Protein Quantity and Quality in Older Subjects

As people age, particularly after 50, they naturally start to lose muscle, which can make everyday tasks like standing up or carrying groceries harder. This happens because our muscles become less responsive to exercise and protein. While eating more protein can help, it's not always easy for older adults to get enough from their regular meals. This research is investigating how different amounts and types of protein – some fully plant-based and others plant-based with dairy – affect muscle growth. The goal is to provide clear advice to older adults on the best types and amounts of protein to eat to prevent muscle loss as they get older.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2021

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2025

Aging

What is this study about?

As we get older, usually after the age of 50, our bodies naturally start to lose muscle. This happens slowly, around 1-3% each year, but over time, it can make simple daily activities much more difficult – things like getting out of a chair, going up stairs, or carrying shopping. This muscle loss occurs because our muscles don't respond to exercise and protein in the same way they used to, making it harder for them to grow and repair themselves.

While eating more protein can help overcome this reduced sensitivity, it's not always easy for older people to get enough protein from their usual meals. This study wants to find out if there are better ways to get protein. Researchers will be looking at different amounts and types of protein. Some of these will be entirely from plants, while others will be plant-based but also include dairy products (like milk or cheese).

The main aim of this research is to see how these different protein sources affect muscle growth in older adults. The information gathered will be really useful for giving clear advice to older people. It will help us understand the best amounts and kinds of protein to include in their diet to help prevent muscle loss, keeping them strong and independent as they age.

Key takeaways

Muscle loss after age 50 can make daily tasks difficult.
This study explores how different protein types affect muscle in older adults.
It compares 100% plant-based protein with plant-based plus dairy protein.
The findings will help guide diet advice for healthy aging.
Participants must be 65-80 years old and generally healthy.
Certain health conditions and medications will prevent participation.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are generally healthy men and women between 65 and 80 years old. You should be a non-smoker and have a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 35. You'll need to be willing to understand and agree to take part in the study.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you smoke or use tobacco products, or if you need to use walking aids like a cane or walker. You also can't have had cancer in the last five years (with a few exceptions like some skin cancers that haven't spread much).

Other conditions that would stop you from participating include serious heart, lung, kidney, liver, or muscle conditions, or if you have any issues that would make it hard to take protein supplements or complete the study. If you drink a lot of alcohol (more than 21 units a week), have certain blood clotting problems, or are taking certain medications or supplements like steroids or creatine, you also wouldn't be able to join. The researchers want to make sure everyone involved can safely take part and provide reliable results.

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 65 and 80 years old?
Do you consider yourself generally healthy and a non-smoker?
Do you avoid using walking aids like canes or walkers?
Have you not had cancer in the last five years (except for certain skin cancers)?
Are you not taking certain medications or supplements like steroids or creatine?
Do you not have serious heart, lung, kidney, or muscle conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the original text. However, based on similar nutrition studies, it would likely include appointments at a research facility, possibly involving muscle strength tests, blood samples, and body scans. You would be given specific protein supplements or dietary advice to follow. You would also likely need to keep a food diary and report any changes in your health. The total duration of the study is not specified, but similar studies can range from a few weeks to several months, with follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit of learning more about how protein affects muscle health as you age, and potentially helping to guide future recommendations for older adults. You might also gain a better understanding of your own health. The main risks would likely involve potential side effects from the protein supplements, such as stomach upset, or discomfort from the tests involved like blood draws or muscle assessments. It's important to remember that you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Exercise Metabolism Research Laboratory, McMaster Univeristy
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to discover the best types and amounts of protein for older adults to help prevent muscle loss as they age.

Why is muscle loss a problem for older people?

Losing muscle can make everyday tasks like standing up, walking, and carrying things much harder.

What kind of protein will be tested?

The study will look at both entirely plant-based proteins and those that are plant-based but also include dairy.

Who can join this study?

Men and women between 65 and 80 years old, who are generally healthy and don't smoke.

Will I have to stop taking my usual medications?

You cannot be taking certain medications or supplements, such as steroids or creatine, within 45 days before the study starts. Specific medications will be discussed with the study team.