Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effects of Protein Supplementation With or Without Urolithin A During Single-leg Immobilization

Imagine you can't use one of your legs for a while, perhaps because of an injury. Your muscles can get weaker quite quickly then. This study wants to find out if special drinks can help prevent this muscle loss. They're looking at a protein drink, which is often used in these situations, and another version of that drink that also contains something called Urolithin A. Urolithin A is a natural substance found in foods like pomegranates and berries, and some research suggests it might be good for muscle health. Participants will temporarily wear a knee brace on one leg to simulate not being able to use it, and researchers will compare how their muscles fare with the different drinks.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2025

Healthy Muscle Disuse Atrophy

What is this study about?

When we can't use our muscles for a period, like after an injury that requires a brace, they can start to weaken surprisingly quickly. This can make recovery longer and harder. The 'energy factories' inside our muscle cells, called mitochondria, also become less efficient during these times.

Researchers are interested in finding ways to help keep muscles strong even when they're not being used. They're looking at a standard protein drink, which is often recommended to support muscles, and comparing it to the same protein drink with an added ingredient called Urolithin A. Urolithin A is a natural compound that our bodies can produce after we eat certain foods like pomegranates, nuts, and berries, and there's some exciting new research suggesting it could be beneficial for muscle health.

The aim of this study is to see if drinking these protein supplements, especially the one with Urolithin A, can reduce or even prevent the muscle weakening that happens when a leg isn't used. This could potentially help people recover better and quicker if they ever need to rest an injured limb.

Key takeaways

Researchers are testing protein drinks to protect muscles when a leg can't be used.
One drink contains a natural ingredient called Urolithin A (from pomegranates/berries).
Participants will wear a knee brace on one leg for two weeks.
The study aims to prevent muscle weakening during this time.
Only healthy men aged 18-30 who are non-smokers can join.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy men between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, who are non-smokers. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 20 and 30. It's important that you don't have any current health problems, especially anything with your bones or joints that would make wearing a knee brace difficult or unsafe.

You shouldn't be taking any regular medications or have any medical conditions that the doctors think might affect the study results or your safety. Also, you must not have participated in another clinical study within the last month.

Things that would prevent you from taking part include having certain stomach conditions like IBS, drinking a lot of alcohol (more than 21 units a week), or if you're taking supplements like creatine or other protein products. If you have metal implants or certain tattoos, you wouldn't be able to have an MRI scan, which is part of the study, so that would also exclude you.

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 a healthy man, aged 18-30 years old?
Do you have a healthy weight (BMI between 20-30)?
Do you have any bone or joint problems that might affect wearing a knee brace?
Are you a non-smoker and do you drink less than 21 units of alcohol per week?
Are you currently taking any muscle-building supplements like creatine or extra protein drinks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for a total of five weeks. After an initial check to make sure you're suitable (Day 0), you'll start with a one-week period where you continue your normal daily life. Then comes a two-week phase where you'll wear a knee brace on one leg, meaning you won't be able to use that leg much. This simulates what happens when someone has an injury.

Throughout all five weeks, you'll be asked to drink a specific protein supplement every day – either a standard protein drink or one that also contains Urolithin A. After the two weeks with the knee brace, there will be a final one-week recovery period where you'll return to your usual daily activities. You'll need to attend appointments at the research centre for assessments during these phases, but the specific number of visits and tests isn't detailed in this summary.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by helping us understand more about how our muscles respond to not being used and how different supplements might help. While the knee bracing is temporary, some discomfort or stiffness in the leg is possible. There could also be mild side effects from the supplements, though these are generally considered safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is Urolithin A?

Urolithin A is a natural substance that your body can make after you eat certain foods like pomegranates, nuts, and berries. Some research suggests it might be good for your muscles.

How long does the study last?

The study lasts for a total of five weeks.

Will I have to wear a brace?

Yes, you will wear a knee brace on one leg for two weeks to temporarily limit its movement.

Do I get to choose which supplement I take?

No, you'll be randomly assigned to either the protein supplement or the protein supplement with Urolithin A. Neither you nor the researchers will know which until later.

What happens after the study ends?

After the study, you'll return to your normal daily activities, and your participation will be complete.