Evaluating a New Method to Measure Muscle Protein Production Using Protein Drinks and Stable Isotopes in Adults Ages 18 to 35

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying protein metabolism by comparing a new non-invasive technique called indicator amino acid oxidation IAAO with the standard muscle biopsy method to measure muscle protein synthesis. The study aims to see how well the IAAO method, which assesses whole-body protein synthesis based on liver metabolism, reflects muscle protein synthesis. This research could reduce the need for invasive procedures in muscle and nutrition studies. Participants will consume 12 protein beverages over 6 hours, each given every half hour. These drinks contain 0.9 grams of protein per kilogram of fat-free mass per day and are enriched with stable isotopes of phenylalanine. These isotopes help measure muscle and whole-body protein synthesis during and after feeding. During the study, researchers will monitor protein synthesis by measuring phenylalanine excretion and oxidation, as well as muscle protein synthesis rates over 6.5 hours. The study includes healthy adults aged 18 to 35 with normal body measurements. Participants must follow study rules such as avoiding extra physical activity before certain sessions. The total participation time involves consuming beverages and undergoing metabolic measurements to assess protein metabolism.

Validating IAAO for Muscle Outcomes