Study of Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism in Adults Aged 60 to 80 Using Nutritional Supplements

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how changes in metabolism related to aging affect protein turnover in older adults. This research aims to understand how amino acid metabolism contributes to aging-related disorders by measuring whole-body metabolism in a large group of healthy older men and women aged 60 to 80 years. The study uses a specialized pulse method combining multiple stable isotopes to evaluate multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously. Participants will undergo one screening visit lasting about 3 hours and six study days lasting about 8 hours each. On study days, participants will arrive fasting and receive one of six liquid nutritional supplements every 20 minutes for 6 hours. The supplements include different formulations of amino acids and a placebo. Baseline blood samples will be collected before feeding and tracer administration to measure metabolite levels. Throughout the study, researchers will assess body composition, muscle function via tests like the Six-Minute Walk Test, and vital signs. Blood samples will track changes in protein and amino acid metabolism during feeding over up to 6 hours. Participants ability to walk, sit, and stand as well as tolerance of lying down for several hours will be evaluated. The study will monitor feeding-related metabolic changes and overall health status during the trial period ending in September 2026.

Prandial Metabolic Phenotype in Adults