Protein Ingestion on BMM Response in Endurance Runners (BonePRO)

McGill University

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Dietary Proteins; Acute Exercise

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein Supplement

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06645119

PRO-ENDO BONE

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of protein ingestion post-exercise on bone turnover markers. The main questions it aims to answer is:

Does protein ingestion independently influence the bone metabolic response to exercise in endurance runners?

We will compare dietary protein to a placebo (water) to detect changes in bone turnover markers.

Participants will:

In a within-subject design, participants will perform an exhaustive run and take either protein or placebo immediately post-exercise.

Track physical activity and diet before each arm of the intervention and during the washout period.

Full description

Endurance athletes are at increased risk for bone loss and injury due to high-volume training, muscle weakness, and elevated nutritional demand. Dietary practices influence short- and long-term bone health and nutrition supplementation post-exercise may improve the short-term response of bone to exercise and benefit musculoskeletal recovery. However, we have a limited understanding of which dietary practices are most beneficial to optimize bone health in athletic populations. Protein supplementation has long been recommended for muscle adaptation and athletic performance but its potential for bone health has not been thoroughly investigated in endurance athletes. The purpose of this study is to is to investigate the acute independent effects of dietary protein ingestion on bone metabolism in healthy adults aged 18-35 years participating in high-volume endurance running.

Enrollment: 14 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 18-35 years of age
• Healthy-range body mass index (BMI) (18.5-24.9 kg/m2)
• Competitive runner for at least one season (minimum 40 km/week for the past 6-months)
• Can read, speak, and understand French and/or English

Exclusion criteria

• Disease or medication known to affect bone metabolism
• Disease (e.g., uncontrolled thyroid disease, malabsorptive or inflammatory disorder, metabolic bone disease)
• Medication (e.g., hormonal contraceptives the past 3 months, glucocorticoids, anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, osteoporosis therapy)
• Orthopedic or musculoskeletal injury/disease that limits the capacity to exercise
• Current smoker or tobacco user
• Current diagnosis of an eating disorder
• Female participants with self-reported or diagnosed:
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Donated blood within the past two months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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14 participants in 2 patient groups

Whey Protein Beverage

Experimental group

Description:

Chocolate flavoured whey protein supplement as a post-exercise recovery beverage. One beverage post-exercise. Dose based on participant body weight.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein Supplement

Control Beverage

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Water beverage with calorie-free chocolate syrup as a post-exercise recovery beverage. Isovolumetric.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein Supplement