Studying Leucine-Enriched Whey Protein Versus Regular Whey Protein on Muscle Growth in Older Men Effects During Rest and After Exercise

What this Trial Is About

Skeletal muscle, making up about 45-55% of body mass, is vital for movement, support, and overall metabolism. As people age, they often experience sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and function. This condition increases risks like disability, falls, and death. One key factor in sarcopenia is anabolic resistance, where older muscles respond less effectively to nutrition and exercise, especially in terms of muscle protein synthesis MPS. This study aims to explore whether enhancing protein with leucine, an amino acid important for stimulating MPS, can improve muscle health in older adults. Researchers are comparing two types of protein supplements a super-whey SW protein enriched with approximately 40% more leucine and 20% more essential amino acids, against a standard isonitrogenous whey protein WP. Participants will receive 20g of their assigned supplement with controlled meals during study visits. The study will evaluate the effects of these supplements both in a rested state and within 24 hours following exercise, under controlled diet and activity conditions. Participants will undergo a three-day lead-in period with a controlled diet and limited physical activity, followed by two and a half days of study visits. During these visits, researchers will closely monitor muscle protein synthesis responses. The primary measurement is muscle protein synthesis, assessed in both rested and post-exercise states. This trial is randomized and triple-blinded, focusing on healthy male volunteers aged 65 and older, with careful monitoring throughout the study period.

Assessing the Impact of a Leucine Enriched Whey Protein vs Isonitrogenous Whey on Muscle Protein Synthetic Responses in the Rested and Acute Post Exercise States in Older Adults