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Protein Ingestion on BMM Response in Endurance Runners

Acute Effects of Protein Ingestion on Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Endurance Runners

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06645119
Acronym
BonePRO
Enrollment
14
Registered
2024-10-16
Start date
2024-03-01
Completion date
2025-09-01
Last updated
2025-05-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Acute Exercise, Bone Diseases, Metabolic, Dietary Proteins

Brief summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTWhey Protein Supplement

Examining the independent effect of post-exercise dietary protein ingestion on bone metabolic markers.

Sponsors

McGill University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

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

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Beta-C-terminal telopeptideUp to 24 hoursBone resorption marker
Procollagen 1 Intact N-Terminal PropeptideUp to 24 hoursBone formation marker

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
OPGUp to 24 hoursMarker related to bone metabolic response
Insulin-like growth factor 1Up to 24 hoursHormone involved in bone metabolism
IL-6Up to 24 hoursMarker related to bone metabolic response
RANK/RANKLUp to 24 hoursMarkers related to bone metabolic response
SclerostinUp to 24 hoursBone turnover maker related to inflammatory response

Countries

Canada

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026