8 Participants Needed

Protein Intake for Older Athletes

ZB
TA
DP
Overseen ByDamian Papadopoulos, B.Sc
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently using anti-inflammatory medications, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Amino Acid Intake for older athletes?

Research suggests that older athletes may benefit from increased protein intake, as it can help maintain muscle mass and improve muscle performance. Studies indicate that consuming protein before exercise can lead to a positive muscle protein balance, which is important for muscle health.12345

Is increased protein intake safe for older adults?

Research shows that increased protein intake is generally safe for older adults, with studies indicating benefits like improved lean body mass and muscle strength. However, it's important to consider individual health conditions and consult with a healthcare provider before making dietary changes.36789

How does amino acid intake differ from other treatments for older athletes?

Amino acid intake for older athletes is unique because it specifically targets the increased need for essential amino acids like leucine to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which becomes more important with age. This approach focuses on optimizing the timing and composition of protein intake to enhance muscle development, unlike general protein recommendations that do not account for age-related changes in muscle metabolism.210111213

What is the purpose of this trial?

Masters level cyclists are a population above the age of 35 years who frequently participate in prolonged as well as heavy-volume training. Like most endurance-trained athletes, a greater recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein of 1.2-1.4 g/kg/bw is suggested.Dietary protein intake is vital for maximizing the benefits of training and ensuring optimal recovery. Dietary recommendations traditionally have been determined through nitrogen balance techniques, however, recent research indicates how this method is potentially underestimating protein requirements. Therefore, there is a need to reassess current dietary recommendations in order to meet the demands of physical activity for highly active populations.Recent efforts to understand protein requirements during rest and following exercise have been completed using the indicator amino acid technique (IAAO). This non-invasive method is reported to provide a robust measure of protein requirements. However, there is limited work in older (≥60 years) active populations.The purpose of this study is to measure the protein requirements in master cyclists, following an endurance training session, using the non-invasive IAAO technique.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for male master cyclists aged 35 and above who regularly engage in intense training. Participants should be healthy, without any metabolic disorders that affect nutrition. They must not have dietary restrictions that could impact protein intake.

Inclusion Criteria

Masters level cyclist training more than 4 days per week and approximately 100 km per week
Availability for multiple metabolic trials (approximately 7 trials)
I can travel to the lab for tests.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently taking anti-inflammatory medications.
I do not have any current illnesses like HIV or kidney problems.
I have two or more chronic conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.
See 6 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are assigned varying levels of amino acid intakes ranging between 0.5 to 2.8 g/kg/d and undergo endurance training sessions

7 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Amino Acid Intake
Trial Overview The study aims to determine the optimal amount of protein needed after cycling exercises using a method called Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation (IAAO). It seeks to reassess current nutritional guidelines for highly active older adults.
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Masters Level CyclistsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants are to be randomly assigned varying levels of amino acid intakes ranging between 0.5 to 2.8 g/kg/d

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McGill University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
421
Recruited
1,017,000+

Findings from Research

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommends a protein intake of 0.8 g/kg/day for adults, but athletes may require more due to their higher activity levels, although this is not officially recognized in the RDA.
Higher protein diets (30%-35% of total energy) have been shown to promote greater weight loss and fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass compared to lower protein diets, making them beneficial for both athletes and individuals aiming for weight reduction.
Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to metabolic advantage.Phillips, SM.[2022]
A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials involving over 1300 older adults found that increasing protein intake may positively affect lean body mass, with some benefits for muscle strength when combined with physical exercise.
However, the evidence is insufficient to support significant health benefits from increased protein intake in older adults already consuming ≥0.8 g/(kg BW · d), particularly for outcomes like physical performance and bone health.
Health Effects of Increasing Protein Intake Above the Current Population Reference Intake in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Health Council of the Netherlands.Hengeveld, LM., de Goede, J., Afman, LA., et al.[2023]
A leucine-enriched whey protein supplement with lower calories significantly increases serum levels of total amino acids (TAA), essential amino acids (EAA), and leucine in healthy older adults compared to casein protein or higher calorie options.
The differences in amino acid absorption are influenced by the gastrointestinal behavior of the protein sources, with whey protein showing better digestion and absorption than casein.
Protein type and caloric density of protein supplements modulate postprandial amino acid profile through changes in gastrointestinal behaviour: A randomized trial.Luiking, YC., Abrahamse, E., Ludwig, T., et al.[2022]

References

Nutritional consideration in the aging athlete. [2008]
Role of dietary proteins in sports. [2011]
Design of a randomized trial to determine the optimum protein intake to preserve lean body mass and to optimize response to a promyogenic anabolic agent in older men with physical functional limitation. [2019]
Protein and amino acids for athletes. [2022]
Dietary protein requirements and adaptive advantages in athletes. [2022]
Association between protein intake and lean body mass in a group of Masters Athletes. [2022]
Effects of leucine-enriched essential amino acid and whey protein bolus dosing upon skeletal muscle protein synthesis at rest and after exercise in older women. [2021]
Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to metabolic advantage. [2022]
Health Effects of Increasing Protein Intake Above the Current Population Reference Intake in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Health Council of the Netherlands. [2023]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Protein and amino acid needs of the strength athlete. [2019]
Protein intake and athletic performance. [2018]
Protein type and caloric density of protein supplements modulate postprandial amino acid profile through changes in gastrointestinal behaviour: A randomized trial. [2022]
Nitrogen Balance in Female Japanese National Handball Players During Training Camp. [2020]
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