A 'Non-Invasive' Breath Test to Determine Anabolic Sensitivity in Females

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO · Jun 13, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new, non-invasive breath test designed to measure how well young women use protein from their food to build muscle. Maintaining lean body mass, especially muscle, is important for overall health. The researchers want to see if this breath test, which has been tested in men, is effective in women as well. The goal is to find out whether different groups of women are sensitive to dietary protein and how this affects their ability to gain or lose muscle mass.

To participate, women aged 18 to 35 who are physically active at least once a week and have a body mass index (BMI) within a certain range can apply. Participants need to have regular menstrual cycles and should not be using hormonal contraceptives or certain medications that could affect protein metabolism. During the trial, participants will perform exercise and provide breath samples, which will help researchers understand their protein processing better. This study is a great opportunity for eligible women to contribute to important research that could lead to better health recommendations in the future.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Female sex
• • 18-35 years of age
• • BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 and ≤ 30 kg/m2
• • Eumenorrheic (self-reported menstruation for prior 3 consecutive months)
• • Recreationally active; currently performing structured exercise (e.g. running, weightlifting, team-sport activity) at least once per week for ≥ 6 months before enrolment
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Use of oral contraceptives
• • Inability to perform physical activity as determined by the PAR-Q+
• • Inability to adhere to protocol guidelines (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, habitual diet)
• • Regular tobacco use
• • Illicit drug use (e.g. growth hormone, testosterone, etc...)
• • Diagnosed medical condition under the care of a physician (e.g. type 2 diabetes)
• • Inability to abstain from supplements (e.g. protein, creatine, HMB, BCAA, phosphatidic acid, etc...) at least three weeks before the trial
• • Individuals on any medications known to affect protein metabolism (e.g. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and/or prescription-strength acne medications)