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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06218264

BCAAs, Muscle Protein Synthesis and Glucose Uptake

The present study aims to quantify the insulin sensitivity and the skeletal muscle protein synthetic response to consuming a test drink containing all amino acids or all amino acids except for BCAAs.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Wageningen University and Research

Wageningen, Gelderland, 6708 WD, Netherlands

About this study

Twenty-eight healthy, young volunteers will receive a stable isotope tracer infusion (7.5h) combined with repeated blood and muscle sampling, to measure muscle protein synthesis rate in the postabsorptive state following ingestion of a drink containing all amino acids (n=14) or all amino acids except for BCAAs (n=14).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged from 18-35 years
  • 18.5 < Body mass index < 30 kg·m2
  • Recreationally active (performing non-competitive physical exercise at least one time per week for minimally 30 minutes)

Exclusion criteria

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or genetic form of diabetes)
  • Any diagnosed cardiovascular (heart) disease or high blood pressure (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic)
  • Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (excluding oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices)
  • Known allergy to lidocaine
  • Regular use of dietary protein and/or amino acid supplements (>3 times per week)
  • Currently involved in a structured progressive resistance training programme (>3 times per week)
  • A personal or family history of thrombosis (clots), epilepsy, seizures, or schizophrenia.
  • Any previous motor disorders or disorders in muscle and/or lipid metabolism
  • Presence of an ulcer in the stomach or gut and/or strong history of indigestion
  • Known severe kidney problems
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Unable to give consent

Treatment and study plan

Ingestion of an amino acid supplement

Dietary Supplement

Oral intake of a supplement containing amino acids

Primary outcomes

  1. Postprandial muscle protein synthesis

    Time frame: 4 hours

    Muscle protein synthesis rate (FSR) prior to and following ingestion of an amino acid drink

Secondary outcomes

  1. Forearm muscle glucose uptake

    Time frame: 7.5 hours

    Insulin sensitivity, measured as forearm glucose uptake, prior to and following ingestion of an amino acid drink

  2. Whole-body insulin sensitivity

    Time frame: Four hours following ingestion of an amino acid drink

    Whole-body insulin sensitivity, calculated using a modified Matsuda index

  3. Forearm amino acid kinetics

    Time frame: Prior to and for 4 hours following amino acid intake

    Plasma phenylalanine kinetics using a stable isotope tracer infusion

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Wageningen University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Role of Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in the Stimulation of Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Glucose Uptake in Healthy Young Volunteers

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 23, 2024
Registry last updated
Feb 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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