RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effects of PeptiStrong and Whey on Muscle Function In Older Adults

This research is investigating how different protein drinks can help older adults maintain and improve their muscle function. We're studying healthy individuals aged 60 to 85. One group will have a standard protein drink made from whey, while another group will receive a drink with less overall protein but which includes PeptiStrong, a special ingredient derived from fava beans. We want to find out if the drink with PeptiStrong can lead to similar or even better improvements in day-to-day physical abilities like standing up, walking, and hand grip. The aim is to better understand how specific nutritional approaches might support healthy ageing and independence.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Nuritas Ltd

Enrolment target

Start

06 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2026

Healthy Ageing Protein Supplementation Muscle Health Muscle Function Hand Grip Strength Longevity Peptides

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore how protein supplements can support muscle health in older adults. As we get older, maintaining strong muscles is really important for staying active and independent. This research focuses on healthy people between the ages of 60 and 85.

We are comparing two different protein drinks based on whey, which comes from milk. One drink is a standard dose of whey protein. The other drink, however, contains less total protein but includes an ingredient called PeptiStrong. PeptiStrong comes from fava beans and has special components called 'bioactive peptides,' which are thought to be particularly helpful for muscles. We want to see if this lower-protein drink with PeptiStrong can be as effective, or even more effective, than the standard whey protein drink in improving muscle function.

The study will look at how these drinks affect everyday physical activities, such as how easily you can stand up from a chair, how you walk, your balance, and your hand grip strength. We will also be checking for changes in areas such as inflammation, tiredness, and overall quality of life. The information we gain from this study will help us understand how targeted nutrition can help people stay strong and independent as they age, potentially influencing future advice on diet and new products aimed at supporting healthy ageing.

Key takeaways

Exploring protein drinks for stronger muscles in older adults.
Compares standard whey protein with a novel fava bean ingredient, PeptiStrong.
Aims to improve day-to-day physical abilities like walking and grip strength.
Could inform future nutrition advice for healthy ageing.
Participation involves 30 days of a daily protein drink and two clinic visits.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be a man or woman aged between 60 and 85 years old. You should be living independently or with very little help, and be able to walk by yourself (even if you use a walking aid). You'll also need to be able to do some simple physical tasks, like standing up from a chair and walking short distances. It's important that you're willing to come to our research facility twice for visits and are happy to drink a whey protein supplement once a day for 30 days. You must also be able to understand the study information and provide your agreement to take part.

However, this study might not be suitable if you have any known allergies to fava beans or milk protein. It's also not for people with kidney disease or any other medical condition where doctors have advised against increasing your protein intake. If you have any electronic devices implanted in your body (like a pacemaker), you wouldn't be able to join. We also can't include you if you've recently (in the last three months) taken part in another research study involving diet or exercise, or if you have severe issues with moving around or balancing that would make it difficult to safely complete our physical tests.

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 60 and 85 years old?
Do you live independently or with minimal help at home?
Can you walk by yourself (with or without a walking aid)?
Are you able to drink a milk-based protein supplement daily for 30 days?
Do you have any allergies to fava beans or milk protein (if yes, you may not be eligible)?
Have you been diagnosed with kidney disease or advised against increased protein intake by a doctor (if yes, you may not be eligible)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your participation will involve attending two visits at our research facility: one at the beginning of the study and one at the end. During these visits, we'll carry out a range of physical tests to check your muscle function, including measuring your grip strength and your ability to stand up from a chair and walk. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about your quality of life, fatigue, and other health markers. For 30 days between your two visits, you will be asked to drink a specific protein supplement, either containing whey protein or a mix of whey protein and PeptiStrong, once daily. We'll give you clear instructions on how and when to take your assigned drink. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be approximately one month.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help advance our understanding of how nutrition can support muscle health in older adults, potentially contributing to future health recommendations. While there are no guaranteed benefits to you personally, you might find that the protein supplement helps your muscle function. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to consuming the protein drinks. We will carefully check for allergies or conditions that might make protein intake unsuitable before you start. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

LJMU, Byrom Street
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is whey protein?

Whey protein is a common protein supplement derived from milk, often used for muscle health.

What is PeptiStrong?

PeptiStrong is an ingredient made from fava beans that contains special small protein parts called peptides, thought to help muscles.

How long does the study last?

Your active participation in the study will last about one month, including two visits and 30 days of drinking the supplement.

Will I know which drink I'm getting?

No, it's a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know which specific drink you're taking until the study is over.

Do I have to stop my usual medicines?

No, you don't need to stop your regular medications to join the study. Please discuss all your medications with the study team.

How to find out more

Niamh Mohan, PhD

mohan.niamh@nuritas.com +353 1 430 1290 Official trial record

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