RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Acute Impact of Whey Protein-enriched Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation on Postprandial Markers of Heart and Brain Health

Researchers are investigating how a powdered supplement, made from whey protein and part of milk fat, impacts heart and brain health. The study focuses on women aged 50-75 who have gone through menopause, are overweight, and have a moderate risk of developing heart conditions. Participants will have two study visits, each lasting about 8 hours. During these visits, they will eat a high-fat meal containing either the special supplement or a plain protein powder. Researchers will then measure things like blood pressure, blood vessel health, and how well the brain is working using computer tests over several hours. The goal is to understand if this supplement can offer short-term benefits for heart and brain function.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Loughborough University

Enrolment target

Start

30 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Cardiovascular Diseases Cognition Overweight or Obesity Postmenopausal Women Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

What is this study about?

This study is designed to understand how a specific powdered supplement might affect your heart and brain, particularly after you've eaten a meal. The supplement is made from whey protein, which you might know from protein shakes, and something called a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which is a natural part of milk.

The researchers are keen to see if this special combination can help improve signs of heart and brain health in certain groups of women. They're focusing on women who are past menopause, usually between the ages of 50 and 75, who are also overweight and have a moderate chance of developing heart problems. Eating, especially a high-fat meal, can put a temporary strain on our bodies, and this study wants to see if this supplement can help the body cope with that strain better.

By carefully measuring different aspects of heart and brain function after eating a meal with the supplement, the scientists hope to learn if it could be a helpful way to support overall health in this group of women. It's an important step in figuring out new ways to keep our hearts and minds healthy as we get older.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying a milk-based supplement for heart and brain health.
This study focuses on postmenopausal women who are overweight and have a moderate heart disease risk.
Participation involves two 8-hour visits with meals, blood tests, and computer tasks.
The study aims to understand short-term effects after eating a high-fat meal.
It's a crossover study, meaning you'll get both the supplement and a placebo at different times.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are generally healthy, aged between 50 and 75, and have gone through menopause (meaning you haven't had a period for at least 12 months). You should be overweight, but not extremely so, with a BMI between 25 and 40. You should also be moderately active, exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes each time. It's important that you're comfortable using a computer or tablet, speak and read English well, and are happy to follow all the study instructions, including eating a high-fat breakfast.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you smoke or vape, or have had a heart attack or stroke in the last year. If you have serious health conditions like diabetes, certain digestive issues, cancer, thyroid problems, Alzheimer's, or other memory problems, or serious mental health conditions, this study might not be right for you. Also, if you've had early menopause due to surgery or certain medical reasons, or if you've used hormone replacement therapy in the last six months, you won't be able to participate.

Finally, if you take certain medications, such as those for cholesterol, blood thinners, blood pressure, or pain relief like strong anti-inflammatory drugs, these might prevent you from joining. The same applies if you've been on antibiotics recently or have changed antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine in the last three months. If you take vitamin or other supplements, you'd need to be willing to stop them for the study's duration. If you work night shifts, have veins that are difficult to use for blood tests, or your weight has been very unstable, you may also be unsuitable.

Quick self-check

I am a woman aged 50-75 and have not had a period for at least 12 months.
My BMI is between 25 and 40 (I am overweight but not extremely so).
I am generally healthy and don't smoke or vape.
I exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time.
I haven't had a heart attack or stroke in the past year, nor do I have diabetes, cancer, or serious memory problems.
I am not currently taking certain medications like blood thinners, statins, or specific blood pressure drugs (or I can stop supplements if needed).

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will need to attend two separate study visits. Each visit will last about 8 hours. During these visits, you'll be given a special high-fat meal. One time, this meal will contain the special whey protein and milk fat globule membrane supplement, and the other time, it will have a plain protein powder (a placebo).

Throughout each visit, the researchers will take various measurements. This includes checking your height and weight, measuring your blood pressure, and looking at how stiff your blood vessels are. You'll also have blood samples taken periodically. To check your brain function and mood, you'll do some computer-based tests. The whole process for these measurements will happen over six hours after you eat the meal. There are no medications to take at home, and the total duration of your active participation will involve these two visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit could be gaining a better understanding of your heart and brain health indicators through the various measurements taken. You might also contribute valuable information that could help others in the future. However, there are also some potential risks. These are generally minor, such as discomfort from blood draws or the time commitment. The study uses a placebo, so you might not receive the active supplement. You can choose to stop participating at any time during the study without giving a reason, and it will not affect your routine medical care.

Locations (1)

Loughborough University
Loughborough, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see how a special milk protein supplement affects heart and brain health in specific women after they eat a high-fat meal.

Who can join this study?

Generally healthy postmenopausal women, aged 50-75, who are overweight and have a moderate risk of heart disease, and are moderately active.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll have two long visits (about 8 hours each) where you'll eat a special meal, have your blood pressure and blood taken, and do computer tests for your brain and mood.

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

No, this is a 'single-blind' study, meaning you won't know whether you're getting the active supplement or the plain protein powder (placebo) at each visit.

What are the common reasons someone CANNOT join?

Common reasons include smoking, recent heart attack/stroke, serious health conditions like diabetes or cancer, certain medications, or being on hormone replacement therapy recently.

How to find out more

Oonagh Markey, BSc, PhD

o.markey@lboro.ac.uk +44 1509 222737 Official trial record

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