RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Leucine Supplementation Strategies to Enhance Muscle Anabolic Responses in Older Age

As we get older, many people lose muscle and strength, which can make daily activities harder. This condition is called sarcopenia. Even though exercise and eating protein can help, older muscles don't always respond as well. We know that taking leucine, a vital part of protein, can boost this response and help older people build and keep muscle. What we don’t know is the best time to take leucine — should it be with a meal or between meals after exercise? This study aims to answer that question, helping us find better ways to support healthy muscles in later life and possibly develop new treatments for muscle loss.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

05 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

05 Aug 2026

Muscle Protein Synthesis

What is this study about?

Growing older often means our bodies change, and one common change is losing muscle and strength. This can make simple tasks like walking or lifting things more difficult. This condition is known as sarcopenia, and currently, there isn't a specific treatment for it. While exercise and eating enough protein are known to help build muscle, older muscles don't always react to these efforts as strongly as younger muscles do, leading to a gradual loss of muscle over time.

However, there's good news! We know that a specific part of protein, called leucine, can help overcome this problem. When older people take leucine, it can boost the muscle-building process that happens after exercise and protein intake, leading to more muscle. This research is important because understanding how leucine works can lead to better ways to help older adults maintain their muscle mass, keeping them stronger and more independent.

This study will investigate the best time to give leucine after exercise to maximise its effect. We'll be comparing two approaches: taking leucine either with a meal or as a separate supplement between meals. By finding the optimal timing, we hope to make leucine supplementation more effective, offering a simple yet powerful strategy to help prevent and manage muscle loss in older age.

Key takeaways

Muscle loss in older age (sarcopenia) is a common problem with no current specific treatment.
Leucine, a part of protein, can help older muscles respond better to exercise and protein intake.
This study aims to find the best time to take leucine after exercise for maximum muscle benefits.
The research hopes to improve strategies for maintaining muscle health and strength in later life.
Participation is for men aged 65-75 with specific health criteria.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men aged between 65 and 75 years old. To take part, your body mass index (BMI) should be in the healthy range of 18 to 28, and you should not smoke. You also shouldn't be doing regular heavy exercise already. Importantly, you need to be willing and able to understand the study and agree to participate.

There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from joining. These include serious heart, circulation, or breathing problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. You also wouldn't be able to participate if you have certain metabolic conditions like diabetes (even if treated), liver or kidney disease, or some long-term digestive problems.

Other reasons you might not be suitable include having had cancer in the last five years, recent steroid treatment, or certain muscle or nerve conditions. If you have any allergies to the study product or have taken part in another research study with procedures or payment in the last three months, you also wouldn't be able to join.

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 man between 65 and 75 years old?
Is your weight in a healthy range (BMI between 18 and 28)?
Do you currently not smoke?
Are you not regularly involved in heavy resistance exercise?
Do you have good overall health without serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer in the last 5 years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you might need to visit the research clinic a few times. During these visits, researchers will take measurements and you'll be asked to do some exercises. You will also be given leucine, either with a meal or between meals, and researchers will monitor how your body responds. The total duration of your involvement will depend on the specific schedule, but the team will explain all the details, including appointments, any tests, and the follow-up process, before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help scientists understand better ways to prevent muscle loss in older age, which might eventually benefit many people. However, like any study, there could be some minor risks, such as discomfort from exercise or blood tests. You will be fully informed about all potential risks before you decide to participate. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the natural loss of muscle and strength that can happen as we get older, making everyday activities harder.

What is leucine?

Leucine is an essential building block found in proteins, which is very important for helping our muscles grow and repair themselves.

Why is this study only for men?

Often, early studies focus on one gender to better understand how a treatment works before expanding to include both men and women in later research.

Will I have to exercise?

Yes, this study involves doing some exercise to see how leucine affects muscle growth after physical activity.

Will I know if I'm getting leucine with a meal or between meals?

The study team will explain the specific timing of leucine intake for your group before you start.

How to find out more

Joanne Mallinson, PhD

joanne.mallinson@nottingham.ac.uk 01158230127 Official trial record

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