Fish protein supplementation and sarcopenia outcomes in the community
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Blue Whiting protein hydrolysates and sarcopenia outcomes in free-living, community dwelling older adults (SARCO_COMM)
IRAS ID
284055
Contact name
Philip Allsopp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
FCBMS-20-043, School of Biomedical Sciences Ethics Filter Committee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Ageing well is a global health priority and the prevention of sarcopenia a top priority for health and social care. Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder involving the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function that is associated with increased adverse outcomes including falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Diet, specifically protein, has been proposed to have a role in the prevention and treatment of muscle loss in the older adult population nevertheless there is paucity of research on the effect of protein supplementation on lean body mass and other clinical outcomes in older adults.
In this research, a total of 80 eligible and consenting participants will be randomly allocated to consume two sachets per day of flavoured fish protein hydrolysate powder daily (mixed with orange juice) vs control flavoured powder (mixed with orange juice) for a period of 12 weeks.
A fasting blood sample will be taken before and after intervention to determine the effect of the fish protein powder on lipid profile and inflammation and vitamin D concentrations. Blood pressure, muscle strength and body composition will also be assessed, and some health & lifestyle habits and quality of life will be captured using questionnaires. An honorarium of £50 will be paid to all participants upon completion of the study to cover their time and travel costs throughout the 12-week study.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EM/0140
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion