Beef vs Plant Protein for Protein Metabolism

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Texas A&M University

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Oral corticosteroids

Disqualifiers: Malnutrition, Diabetes, Heart 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

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to compare the effects of beef and plant proteins, such as tofu, on protein metabolism in older adults. Researchers seek to determine which protein type better supports muscle and cognitive health, especially for those with frailty concerns. Ideal candidates for this trial are older adults who can walk and stand, do not use certain dietary supplements or medications, and are willing to follow the study protocol. This research could identify the best dietary protein sources for maintaining health in later years. As an unphased trial, participants can provide valuable insights into dietary choices for healthier aging.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you have not used certain medications that affect protein and amino acid metabolism, like antibiotics or oral corticosteroids, for at least 4 weeks before starting. If you're taking these types of medications, you may need to stop them to participate.

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

Research shows that most people can easily digest beef protein. Some may experience mild side effects like bloating and gas, common with high protein intake. Consuming large amounts of meat over time might impact bones and kidneys, depending on overall health and diet.

Studies have found that tofu, a plant-based protein, is safe and healthy. It contains all the essential amino acids the body needs. Tofu also links to lower cholesterol levels, benefiting heart health. Overall, both beef and tofu are considered safe, with only minor side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it compares beef and tofu to see how each affects protein metabolism in older adults. Unlike other treatments for muscle health that might focus on supplements or medications, this study is looking at natural food sources. Beef provides a rich source of essential amino acids, which are crucial for muscle repair and growth, while tofu offers plant-based protein that might be easier to digest and is lower in saturated fat. By comparing these two different protein sources, scientists hope to find out which is more effective for supporting muscle metabolism in older adults who are frail, pre-frail, or non-frail. This could lead to tailored dietary recommendations that improve health and quality of life in aging populations.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for frailty?

This trial will compare the effects of beef protein and tofu protein on protein metabolism in older adults. Research has shown that beef protein helps build muscle due to its high content of essential amino acids. One study found that meals with beef protein led to better muscle growth than other protein sources. Tofu, a plant-based protein, also shows promise. It is easy for the body to digest, similar to animal proteins. Some studies suggest that plant proteins like tofu can improve muscle mass and overall health in older adults. Both beef and tofu offer unique benefits, making them good options for supporting health in older adults. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Marielle Engelen

Principal Investigator

Texas A&M University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults who are frail or pre-frail, meaning they're at risk of health issues like falls and hospitalization. It's designed to see how their bodies respond to different types of protein: beef versus plant-based.

Inclusion Criteria

Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol

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

I am between 65 and 95 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Possible pregnancy

Already enrolled in another clinical trial

Known allergy to any of the components of the feeding (soy, beef)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive randomized cross-over feeding of beef, tofu, or water with stable isotope tracers to measure anabolic response

4 study days

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Beef
• Tofu

Trial Overview Researchers are testing the body's muscle-building response to beef protein compared to tofu (plant protein) and a placebo. They'll use a new method involving stable isotopes to measure how well these proteins help maintain physical and cognitive health in participants.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Pre-Frail Older Adults Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

based on the Fried index

Group II: Non-Frail Older Adults Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

based on the Fried index

Group III: Frail older adults Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

based on the Fried index

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/PMC6628355/

Does Beef Protein Supplementation Improve Body ... Our results also show that BP supplementation might be an effective means of increasing total daily protein intake compared to NP, and suggest ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07049224

The Effectiveness of a Diet With Beef as Key Protein ... Previous research suggests that a meal containing proteins from meat results in a better stimulation of the body's ability to build muscle ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523051006

Protein leverage effects of beef protein on energy intake in ... Results from another short-term metabolic trial showed that subjects consumed, on average, 12% more energy from a 10En%-protein diet compared with a diet ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6142015/

Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and ... There is robust evidence which shows that consuming protein pre- and/or post-workout induces a significant rise in muscle protein synthesis.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1455728/full

The effect of protein intake on athletic performance Results: Overall, protein intake did not show a statistically significant improvement in athletic performance (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.12, 95% ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322003684

Systematic Review of Beef Protein Effects on Gut Microbiota A comprehensive assessment of dietary protein quality includes amino acid composition, digestibility, rate of protein digestion, and potential for generation of ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4045293/

Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake above the ... The adverse effects associated with long-term high protein/high meat intake in humans were (a) disorders of bone and calcium homeostasis, (b) disorders of renal ...

8. wildfoods.co wildfoods.co/blogs/content/beef-protein-side-effects?srsltid=AfmBOop3KJlG6ElqU27Hn69WaftpxHN8m23NaFRupSqYo9eIVEN97XJb

Understanding Beef Protein Side Effects - Wild Foods While beef protein is generally well-tolerated, certain side effects were observed, including mild digestive issues such as bloating and gas, particularly in ...

9. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07254403

Anabolic Response to Beef vs Plant Protein in (Pre)Frail ... Beef protein is known for its anabolic properties due to its high EAA levels and digestibility (~ 94% compared to 78% in beans and 86% in whole ...