Impact of Whey Protein on Frailty - a Pilot Study
University of Kansas Medical Center
Summary
This pilot study aims to determine the impact of whey protein supplementation on brain antioxidant levels and to assess the effects of whey protein supplementation on physical function, body composition, and cognition in pre-frail older adults.
Description
Frailty is characterized by weakness, muscle loss, and physical impairment. It is suggested that long term oxidative stress might contribute to frailty. Glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant in cells, is needed to combat oxidative stress. Whey protein has the potential to increase brain antioxidant (GSH) levels by aiding in antioxidant synthesis. Frail older adults under-consume protein compared to healthy older adults. Researchers want to see if supplementing with whey protein will improve brain antioxidant status in pre-frail older adults. They will measure this by using special Magnetic Resona…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Pre-frail according to Fried's phenotype * Age 65 to 85 * Speak English as primary language and able to read and write in English * Stable medication for ≥ 30 days * Not already taking whey protein over the past 30 days Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic kidney disease * Recent major health concerns * Insulin-requiring diabetes * Cancer requiring chemotherapy or radiation within the past 5 years * Cardiac event (i.e., MI, etc.) in the past year * Dementia or neurodegenerative disease * Clinical trial or investigational drug or therapy participation within 30 days o…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementWhey Protein
24g of whey protein will be given to the participant to be consumed daily. Participants will be asked to consume 1 serving per day for 3 months.
- Dietary SupplementPlacebo
A calorie matched serving of carbohydrate powder will be given to participants to consume daily. Participants will be asked to consume 1 serving per day for 3 months.
Location
- The University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas City, Kansas