Actively Recruiting
Anabolic Response to Beef vs Plant Protein in (Pre)Frail Older Adults Using a Novel Stable Isotope Pulse Method
Led by Texas A&M University · Updated on 2025-11-28
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the anabolic response to beef versus plant protein in older adults aged 65 to 95 years, including those who are frail, pre-frail, or non-frail. The study aims to understand how different protein sources affect protein and amino acid synthesis in the body, especially considering that older adults may have higher protein needs and a reduced anabolic response to meals. This research is important because many older adults choose to avoid animal products like beef, which has high levels of essential amino acids and anabolic benefits. Participants will consume three types of nutrition in a randomized, cross-over design: beef protein, tofu (soy protein), and water as a placebo. The feeding is given in small bites and sips every 20 minutes over a 5-hour period during study visits. The study includes one screening visit and four study days, where various assessments like body composition, muscle function, and walk tests are performed. Some procedures may be skipped if recently completed. During visits, participants will be fasted and have vital signs and blood samples taken before and during feeding. Researchers will measure anabolic responses using stable isotope tracers and assess amino acid bioavailability. The primary outcome is the capacity for protein and amino acid synthesis after consuming beef and soy protein. The total time commitment includes the initial screening and study days, with data securely stored for analysis.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Anabolic Response to Beef vs Plant Protein in (Pre)Frail Older Adults Using a Novel Stable Isotope Pulse Method
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 65 to 95 years old
- Ability to walk, sit down, and stand up independently or with a walking assistance device
- No use of dietary supplements or medications affecting protein and amino acid metabolism within 4 weeks prior to the study
- Willingness to lie flat in bed for up to 6 hours during study visits
- Willingness and ability to follow the study protocol
You will not qualify if you...
- Malnutrition with BMI less than 17 kg/m2
- BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 to avoid weight-related metabolic disturbances
- Diagnosed and actively treated chronic diseases such as insulin-dependent diabetes, active cancer, heart, kidney, or liver disease, HIV/AIDS, moderate to severe asthma, or hepatitis A, B, or C
- History of untreated metabolic diseases including liver or kidney disorders
- Fever within the last 3 days
- Liver cirrhosis
- Dementia or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's chorea, or frontotemporal dementia
- Possible pregnancy
- Acute illness or unstable chronic illness
- Dependence on alcohol or drugs
- Newly prescribed long-term oral corticosteroids
- Planned elective surgery requiring hospitalization of 2 or more days during the study
- Inability or unwillingness to give informed consent
- Participation in another clinical trial
- Any condition found during screening that may interfere with study or participant safety
- Known allergy to soy or beef components used in the feeding
- Established vegetarian or vegan diet
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) lasting approximately 3 hours
Duration - 4 study days
Participants consume beef protein, tofu protein, and a water placebo on separate study days using a randomized cross-over design to assess anabolic response. Each study day involves fasting prior to arrival, baseline blood sampling, and nutrition intake over 5 hours with bites and sips every 20 minutes.
4 in-person visits, each lasting about 5 hours
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas, United States, 77843
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Marielle Engelen, PhD
L
Laura Ruebush, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
3
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