Comparing Effects of Plant-Based and Whey Proteins on Muscle Health in Older Adults with or without Sarcopenia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how different types of protein, specifically plant-based versus animal-based proteins, affect muscle-building responses in older adults, including those with sarcopenia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. The study aims to understand how essential and non-essential amino acids influence these responses to help develop better nutritional strategies to prevent and treat muscle loss in aging populations. Participants will consume one of four liquid nutritional supplements during study visits whey protein animal-based, soy protein plant-based, pea protein plant-based, or a placebo of water. These supplements are given as sip feeds every 20 minutes over a 5-hour period. The study includes a screening visit and four study days, with participants having the option to add sugar-free vanilla, caramel, or chocolate syrup to their drinks. Participants will visit the research center fasting, undergo body composition and muscle function tests, and provide blood samples before and after feeding to measure protein and amino acid synthesis using stable isotope tracers. Vital signs and physical performance tests like the Six-Minute Walk Test are conducted. The study tracks metabolic responses and muscle function over about four weeks, with all data securely stored for analysis.

Prandial Metabolic Phenotyping in Sarcopenic Older Adults Comparing Plant Based and Whey Based Protein