Metabolite Changes Following Consumption Of Different Protein Drinks In Singapore Older Adults

Launched by NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE · Apr 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how different types of protein drinks—like casein, whey, and soy—affect the body of older adults in Singapore. Researchers want to understand how these protein sources change the levels of certain substances in the blood and how they might influence mood, appetite, and thinking abilities. While this study isn't focused on treating or diagnosing any specific health issues, the findings could help guide dietary choices for older adults and support better health as they age.

To participate, you need to be between 60 and 80 years old, able to read and understand English, and have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30. You should not be involved in another clinical study, have recently lost or gained a significant amount of weight, or have certain health conditions like diabetes or serious allergies. If you're eligible, you'll be asked to stop drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages for a short time before your visits. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to important research that could help improve nutrition for older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English-literate and able to give informed consent
• • Adults 60 to 80 years old (inclusive)
• • (If applicable) Postmenopausal
• • BMI of 18·5 to 30 kg/m2 (inclusive)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently participating in another clinical study that involves altering the regular diet and/or involves consuming a dietary supplement or investigated food product as an intervention
• • Weight change \>3 kg in the past 3 months
• • Exercising vigorously over the past 3 months (i.e., engaging in high-intensity exercises for more than 3 hours a week, where high-intensity exercises leave one out of breath and unable to talk or sing during the workout)
• • Current smokers or have quit smoking for less than 5 years
• • Drinking \>2 alcoholic drinks per day (i.e., one drink is defined as either 150 ml of wine, 340 ml of beer/cider or 45 ml of distilled spirit)
• • If drinking ≤2 alcoholic drinks per day, not willing to stop consumption of alcoholic beverages two days before and on the day of the test visits (total 12 days)
• • Not willing to stop consumption of caffeinated beverages 10 to 12 hours before and on the day of the test visits (total 4 days)
• • Taking supplements containing omega-3, magnesium, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, melatonin and/or 5-hydroxytryptophan for the past 3 months, and not willing to discontinue usage 3 months before and during the study duration
• • Currently on a specialised diet (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, weight loss diet)
• • Had serious food allergies in the past, or having intolerance, sensitivities or allergies to any of the following: milk/dairy products (e.g., casein, whey), starch/starch-derived products (e.g., rice, corn, wheat, potato), soy/soy-derived products, gluten, eggs, nuts, peanuts, fish and crustaceans.
• • Disease or impairment of the kidney and/or liver
• • Currently diagnosed with diabetes, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues (e.g., lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome), gout and/or G6PD deficiency
• • History of diseases known to affect the central nervous system (e.g., heart disease, stroke, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, mental illnesses)
• • Taking antibiotics 2 weeks prior to study participation
• • Taking medication known to interfere with cognitive function and mental wellbeing (e.g., benzodiazepines, antidepressants, other central nervous agents)
• • Taking anti-hypertensive or cholesterol-lowering drugs for less than 3 years unless medically declared by an official doctor to be in stable condition
• • Poor peripheral venous access based on past experiences with blood drawing