Peanut Protein for Metabolism

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Texas A&M University

Must not be taking: Corticosteroids, Protein supplements

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Heart disease, Kidney disease, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 4 study days

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how peanut protein might support muscle and brain function in older adults. Researchers aim to determine if peanut protein can be as effective as animal protein in promoting good health in seniors. The trial involves healthy older men and women who can perform daily activities like walking and sitting. Participants should not have chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease and must be comfortable with the trial's requirements, including staying in bed for a few hours. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance senior health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using long-term oral corticosteroids or have used a short course of oral corticosteroids within 4 weeks before the study, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that peanut protein is safe for older adults?

Studies have shown that peanut protein is generally safe for most people, but a few considerations are important. Research indicates that peanut protein can change when exposed to different oxygen levels. While this doesn't directly affect safety, it's useful to know that peanut protein can behave differently under certain conditions.

Regarding safety, a study on mice given a type of peanut sprout powder found no harmful effects, suggesting it might be safe in some forms. However, peanuts are a common cause of allergies. Peanut protein can trigger allergic reactions in some people, which can be very serious and even life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis.

For those considering joining a trial involving peanut protein, discussing any allergies with a healthcare provider is crucial. While peanut protein appears safe for many, those with peanut allergies should exercise caution. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike standard treatments for metabolic health, which often involve medications or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, this new approach uses peanut protein as a dietary supplement. Researchers are excited about peanut protein because it's a natural source of essential nutrients and may improve metabolism differently by leveraging its unique protein profile and nutrient density. This could offer a simple, food-based intervention that supports metabolic health in older adults, making it a potentially more accessible and enjoyable option.

What evidence suggests that peanut protein might be an effective treatment for metabolism?

Research shows that peanut protein can be a helpful dietary supplement for improving how the body processes protein. Studies indicate that peanut protein is as easy to digest as animal protein, allowing the body to use it effectively. Some evidence suggests that peanut protein can help build muscle, especially after exercise. Additionally, it may positively affect gut health, which is important for overall metabolism. These factors suggest that peanut protein could help maintain muscle mass and support healthy aging. Participants in this trial will receive peanut protein to evaluate its effects on metabolism in healthy older adults. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Marielle Engelen, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Texas A&M University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults interested in the health effects of peanut protein on metabolism. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's best to contact the study organizers for details on who can participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing and able to follow the study's requirements.

Previous completion of IRB2023-0549: Prandial Metabolic Phenotyping in Sarcopenic Older Adults Comparing Plant Based and Whey Based Protein (NCT06628349)

I am willing to lie flat on my back for up to 6 hours.

Exclusion Criteria

I have never been treated for liver or kidney disorders.

Use of protein or amino acids containing nutritional supplements within 5 days of the first study day

Failure to give informed consent or Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the subject

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 day

1 visit (in-person, approx. 3 hours)

Treatment

Participants receive liquid nutritional supplements containing 45g of peanut protein as sip feeds every 20 minutes for 5 hours

4 study days

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peanut protein

Trial Overview The trial is exploring how peanut protein affects protein metabolism. It aims to understand if peanuts can be a good source of dietary protein and help maintain physical and cognitive health, especially in older adults.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Healthy male older adults Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Healthy female older adults Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Texas A&M University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

156

Recruited

28,900+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8621247/

Effects of Peanut Protein Supplementation on Resistance ... Data include myofibrillar protein synthesis rates 24 h following the first exercise bout in females (panel a) and males (panel b). All data ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-protein-metabolism-9-2024-1052e

Peanut Protein for Metabolism · Info for Participants This suggests that peanut protein, as a source of dietary protein, might help improve protein metabolism and overall health in similar contexts.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61161-x

Gut microbial bile and amino acid metabolism associate ... Our data indicates that increased fecal microbial peptidase activity, peanut protein degradation, and depletion of select immunomodulatory ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590157524000609

Study on peanut protein oxidation and metabolomics ... Metabolomics results showed that peanut respiratory metabolism was inhibited in NS vs. CS and reactivated in RS vs. CS, and the combined results ...

5. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.15.24309840v1.full-text

Enhanced Gut Microbiome Capacity for Amino Acid ... Our data indicates clear differences in amino acid metabolism capacity and peanut degradation in participants who did or did not achieve ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10869743/

Study on peanut protein oxidation and metabolomics/ ... Rapid oxidation of peanut proteins occurred after re-aeration. Peanuts exhibited different metabolism performances in different oxygen levels.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/peanut-protein

Peanut Protein - an overview Peanut protein is defined as the powdered product derived from low-denatured and defatted peanut meal, containing a protein content of ≥50%.

8. jacionline.org jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749%2821%2902740-8/fulltext

Safety of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergen powder-dnfp ... The data in this report represent the largest safety data analysis of a single OIT formulation for peanut allergy. As with many pooled ...