Leucine supplementation strategies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Leucine supplementation strategies to enhance muscle anabolic responses in older age.
IRAS ID
330127
Contact name
Matthew Brook
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Sarcopenia describes the progressive decline of skeletal muscle mass and strength with advancing age that is associated with increased frailty, morbidity and significant health care costs yet, we do not currently have any effective treatments. Maintenance of skeletal muscle mass throughout life requires adequate dietary protein intake, with amino acids (AA) within dietary proteins acutely stimulating muscle protein synthesis (MPS). However, aged muscle displays diminished anabolic responses to feeding such that muscle protein stores are inadequately replenished, leading to progressive muscle wasting over time.
Leucine is an AA that is found naturally within the diet and has been shown to stimulate MPS. Previous studies suggest that both the amount, and distribution of leucine intake throughout the day may impact MPS. Our aim is to investigate how the distribution of increasing dietary leucine throughout the day impacts MPS. This will be achieved by consuming leucine either with each meal, or between each meal.
The study will be carried out in the David Greenfield Human Physiology laboratory at the University of Nottingham and we will apply novel methods to measure muscle protein synthesis in a free-living state with leucine supplementation. 8 participants between the ages of 65-75 will be recruited and will undergo physiological measures including body composition, blood and thigh muscle samples to measure muscle protein synthesis after ingesting leucine either with daily meals or between daily meals. The participants will be involved in the study for a minimum of 4 weeks.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0092
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion