40 Participants Needed

Protein Intake for Aging Muscle Growth

EA
SM
Overseen ByStuart M Phillips, PhD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

After the age of \~50, humans start to lose muscle mass at a rate of about 1-3% per year. However, the loss of muscle mass beyond a certain point can make it increasingly difficult to perform activities of daily living such as rising from a chair, going up and downstairs, carrying groceries, etc. A reason why muscle mass is lost with age is that skeletal muscles become less sensitive to the growth-promoting effects of physical activity and protein ingestion. This loss of sensitivity can be overcome by consuming larger amounts of protein; however, many older adults have difficulties simply consuming greater amounts of protein from whole-food sources. Therefore, the research in this study aims to investigate how different amounts and types of protein, of either a 100%-plant-based or Lacto-vegetarian (plant-based plus dairy) protein sources, affect muscle growth. This information will be important when providing information to older adults about the amount and type of protein that should be consumed by older adults to help prevent the loss of muscle mass that typically occurs with advancing age.

Research Team

SP

Stuart Phillips, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men and women aged 65-80, in good health with a BMI of 20-35. Participants must be non-smokers, able to consent, and not use walking aids or have certain medical conditions like recent cancer (except some types), clotting disorders, severe illnesses affecting the study's integrity or taking specific supplements or steroids.

Inclusion Criteria

Be in general good health, non-smoking
Have a body mass index (BMI) between 20-35 kg/m2 (inclusive)
Be willing and able to provide informed consent
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Exclusion Criteria

Excessive alcohol consumption (>21 units/week)
I have a condition causing significant weight loss, muscle loss, or weakness.
Hypersensitivity or known allergy to any of the components in the diets
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Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Protein quantity and quality
Trial OverviewThe study investigates how different amounts and types of protein affect muscle growth in older adults. It compares the effects of a plant-based diet versus a Lacto-vegetarian diet on maintaining muscle mass as people age.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: RDA Lacto-Vegetarian/VeganExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Subjects will receive diets containing the RDA for protein from Lacto-vegetarian and Vegan sources in different periods during the protocol.
Group II: Higher than RDA Lacto-Vegetarian/VeganExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Subjects will receive diets containing more than the RDA for protein from Lacto-vegetarian and Vegan sources in different periods during the protocol.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
936
Recruited
2,630,000+

Dairy Farmers of Canada

Collaborator

Trials
33
Recruited
2,400+

National Dairy Council

Collaborator

Trials
20
Recruited
1,800+