Plant-based Protein Blends for Healthy Nutrition in Older Adults

Overseen By James McKendry, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Must not be taking: NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, Testosterone, others

Disqualifiers: Cancer, Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different protein sources can aid muscle building when combined with weightlifting in older adults. The researchers aim to determine if a plant-based protein blend, such as corn and pea protein, is as effective as milk protein. Participants will be divided into groups to try different proteins or a non-protein option. The study seeks older adults who are generally healthy, non-smokers, and enjoy being active but do not meet the recommended exercise guidelines. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of plant-based proteins in muscle building.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop using certain medications and supplements, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, testosterone replacement therapy, anabolic steroids, creatine, whey protein supplements, casein, or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) at least 45 days before joining the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Studies have shown that plant-based proteins like pea protein are generally safe for older adults. Pea protein rarely triggers allergic reactions. Corn protein is also nutritious and similar to many animal proteins. Research indicates that increased protein intake can help older adults maintain healthy muscles.

Milk proteins are considered safe and beneficial, providing all the essential building blocks needed for muscle growth. Increased milk protein intake has been linked to better heart and bone health in older individuals.

These findings suggest that the protein blends in this study are well-tolerated and safe to consume, offering benefits for muscle and overall health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they explore plant-based protein blends as a nutritional option for older adults, which could offer a more sustainable and potentially more digestible alternative to traditional animal-based proteins. Unlike standard protein supplements that often rely on milk or soy, these treatments incorporate corn and pea proteins, which may provide a different amino acid profile and be more suitable for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, by comparing these plant-based options to milk protein and a low-energy, non-protein control, researchers aim to better understand how different protein sources can support muscle health and overall nutrition in older populations.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for muscle building in older adults?

This trial will compare different protein sources for their effects on muscle health in older adults. Research has shown that various types of protein can help older adults build muscle. One study found that plant-based proteins, such as pea protein, can increase muscle mass as effectively as animal proteins. In this trial, participants will receive either Corn+Pea protein, Corn protein, or Milk protein. Another study found that corn protein and milk protein have similar effects on muscle building in healthy young adults. Additionally, milk protein, when combined with strength exercises, has been shown to help older adults gain muscle. Overall, these proteins can support muscle health and growth when paired with exercise. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Stuart Phillips, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for non-smoking, recreationally active older adults aged 60-80 with a BMI of 18.5-30 who are in good health and understand English. Exclusions include tobacco users, those with certain illnesses or excessive alcohol consumption, assistive device users, recent cancer patients (with some exceptions), and individuals on specific medications or supplements.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 60 and 80 years old.

Have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-30 kg/m2 (inclusive)

Be in good general health

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't used NSAIDs, steroids, testosterone, creatine, whey protein, casein, or BCAAs in the last 45 days.

A history of falls determined by a score >25 on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)

Use of tobacco or related products

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Experimental Visit

Participants consume assigned protein or carbohydrate supplement and undergo measurements

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in muscle protein synthesis and plasma markers

5 hours

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Corn+Pea protein ingestion
• Cron protein ingestion
• Milk protein ingestion
• Non-protein, low energy

Trial Overview The study examines the muscle-building effects of a high-quality plant-based protein blend combined with weight lifting in older adults. It compares the effectiveness of corn+pea protein ingestion versus milk protein and other controls to see which supports muscle growth better when paired with resistance training.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Non-protein, low energy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Consuming 20 g of carbohydrate dissolved in 350mL of water, one time at the experimental visit

Group II: Milk protein ingestion Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Consuming 20 g of Milk Protein dissolved in 350mL of water, one time at the experiment visit

Group III: Corn+Pea protein ingestion Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Consuming 20 g of Corn+Pea protein isolation dissolved in 350mL of water, one time at the experimental visit

Group IV: Corn protein ingestion Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Consuming 20 g of Corn protein isolation dissolved in 350mL of water, one time at the experimental visit

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Short-term oral protein-energy supplementation in moderately malnourished elderly patients significantly increased dietary intake (energy by 32% and protein by 65%) and fat-free mass (FFM) by 1.3 kg, indicating its efficacy in improving nutritional status.

The study highlights the importance of using Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess changes in FFM, as other methods like bio-impedance analysis and anthropometry did not accurately reflect these changes, suggesting a need for larger studies to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional status after short-term dietary supplementation in hospitalized malnourished geriatric patients. Bos, C., Benamouzig, R., Bruhat, A., et al.[2007]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10844360/

The muscle protein synthetic response following corn ... The study found that muscle protein synthesis rates did not differ between corn protein and milk protein ingestion in healthy young adults.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11923428/

Evaluating the Effects of Corn Flour Product Consumption ... Consumption of whole grains is associated with a reduction in chronic diseases and offers benefits for cardiovascular health and metabolic regulation.

3. healthline.com healthline.com/nutrition/corn

Corn 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Corn is a healthy grain and a source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It may promote eye and digestive health. Refined corn products, however ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770723000027

Animal and vegetable protein intake and malnutrition in ... Higher animal and, especially, vegetable protein intake were associated with improvements in nutritional status in older adults.

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nbu.12529

Innovative plAnt Protein fibre and Physical activity solutions ... Older adults with poor appetite are at higher risk of undernutrition due to the role of appetite as a key driver of food intake.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7996767/

Protein Source and Muscle Health in Older Adults Research shows that higher dietary protein of up to 1.2 g/kgbodyweight/day may help prevent sarcopenia and maintain musculoskeletal health in older ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927123001569

Evaluating and comparing tolerance, nutritional quality and ... In the current study, we aimed to investigate tolerance, nutritional quality, and potential health effects of bovine-plasma protein (BP) and corn protein (CP) ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022316623033850

Protein Value of Colombian Opaque-2 Corn for Young ... It is concluded that the nutritive value of opaque-2 corn protein is high, comparable to that of most proteins of animal origin. Recommended articles ...

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/15/2461

Protein and Aging: Practicalities and Practice In a recent study evaluating older adults, only 1% of participants ate more than 20 g protein/meal for each meal, demonstrating the need for sound nutrition ...