RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of a Plant-based, Protein-dense Sauce on Essential Amino Acid Concentrations and Gut Fullness in Older Adults

This study is investigating a special plant-based, high-protein sauce called ProSauce, designed for older adults. We want to find out if adding this sauce to meals helps the body absorb and use essential protein building blocks (amino acids) more effectively compared to a standard, lower-protein sauce. Researchers also want to make sure that this high-protein sauce doesn’t make people feel too full or lose their appetite too quickly, even though it's a liquid. Participants will eat two different meals, one with ProSauce and one with a standard sauce, and researchers will take blood samples to measure protein levels and how full people feel.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

10 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Malnutrition Elderly Protein Malnutrition

What is this study about?

As we get older, it can sometimes be harder for our bodies to get enough protein, which is vital for strength and overall health. This study is exploring a new idea: a special plant-based sauce, called ProSauce, that's packed with protein. The main goal is to see if adding this high-protein sauce to meals helps older adults’ bodies use the building blocks of protein, called amino acids, more effectively. Amino acids are super important for things like repairing muscles and keeping us healthy.

We also want to make sure that while this sauce delivers more protein, it doesn't make people feel overly full and stop eating before they’ve had enough. Sometimes, liquid foods can make you feel full quickly, so researchers will be carefully checking how hungry or full participants feel. By comparing ProSauce to a regular, lower-protein sauce, we hope to understand if this new approach could be a good way to help older adults get the protein they need without any unwanted side effects.

Ultimately, if this high-protein sauce works well, it could offer a tasty and easy way for older adults to boost their protein intake, helping them stay stronger and healthier for longer. This research is about finding practical solutions to support good nutrition in later life.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new plant-based, high-protein sauce (ProSauce) for older adults.
It aims to see if ProSauce helps the body use protein better without causing excessive fullness.
Participants will eat two different meals and have blood samples taken over 6 hours after each meal.
The study compares ProSauce to a standard, lower-protein sauce.
Findings could offer new ways to improve protein intake for older people.
Involvement requires two visits to the study centre, separated by at least a week.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 60 years old or older and live independently in your community. It’s important that you don't smoke or vape. We also need to make sure you're generally healthy and don't have any major medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems that could affect the results of the study. You also shouldn't be taking certain medications, like long-term steroids, that might influence how your body processes food.

We're also looking for people who haven't been in the hospital recently (in the last 6 months) and who haven't had any unusual changes in their weight lately. You should be able to eat most foods and not have any severe dislikes or allergies to common ingredients, as you'll be trying different sauces. If you generally have a healthy relationship with food and aren't on a strict diet, you might be a good fit.

Unfortunately, if you are under 60, smoke, have known food allergies, or have difficulties with your memory or getting around, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if you’ve been in hospital in the last six months or have certain medical conditions or are on specific medications that could interfere with the study's results, you wouldn't be able to take part.

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 60 years old or older?
Do you live independently and generally feel well?
Do you avoid smoking and vaping?
Have you been stable in weight and not in hospital in the last 6 months?
Are you free from major medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes, and not on long-term steroids?
Are you able to eat a variety of foods without severe allergies or strong dislikes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the study centre on two separate occasions. On each visit, you'll eat a meal – one with the special high-protein sauce (ProSauce) and one with a standard low-protein sauce. These meals will be given in a random order, with at least a week between your two visits, so that the effects of the first meal have completely worn off before the second. Over 6 hours after each meal, we'll take several small blood samples from your arm. These samples will help us measure how your body uses the protein and what your hormone levels are like. During this time, we'll also ask you to rate how hungry or full you feel using a simple rating scale. You won't need to take any new medications for this study. The total duration of your involvement will be over two separate days, spread a week or more apart.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer you the benefit of contributing to our understanding of better nutrition for older adults, which could help many people in the future. The main risks involve the discomfort of having blood samples taken, which is usually minor, and some very low risk of bruising or slight pain at the injection site. We will take every precaution to make this as comfortable as possible. You are completely 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.

University of Exeter
Verified postcode
Exeter, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ProSauce?

ProSauce is a plant-based sauce that has been specially designed to be rich in protein.

Why are you studying older adults?

As people get older, it can be harder for their bodies to get and use enough protein, which is important for staying strong and healthy.

Will I have to eat anything I don't like?

We ask that you don't have severe dislikes or allergies to common foods. The meals will involve sauces added to food.

How many times will I need to visit?

You will need to visit the study centre on two separate occasions, with at least a week between visits.

Will I know if I'm getting the high-protein sauce?

The study is 'blinded', meaning you won't know which sauce you're having on each visit. This helps ensure fair results.

How to find out more

Zhuoxiu Jin, Dr

z.jin3@exeter.ac.uk +447529283410 Official trial record

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