Optimal Protein Intake to Maximize Whole-Body Protein Balance in Healthy Adults

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT07556029

Acronym

PAAKO

Enrollment

Registered

2026-04-29

Start date

2026-08-01

Completion date

2027-04-01

Last updated

2026-04-29

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

Conditions

Protein Metabolism

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to assess the optimal protein intake to maximize whole-body protein net balance in healthy adults. In a randomized, double-blinded, crossover design, 12 young, healthy adult males and females aged 18-35 years, will consume a test diet consisting of free amino acid mixtures based on milk protein that vary in protein content 7 separate acute metabolic trials. The main study endpoint is optimal protein intake based on the lowest protein intake that maximizes whole-body protein net balance.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTAmino Acid

Test diet consisting of free amino acid mixtures based on milk protein.

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Intervention model description

Within-subject, randomized, double-blinded, crossover design

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 35 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Aged between 18-35 years * BMI between 18.5-30 kg/m2 * Healthy, recreationally active (exercise at least once per two weeks and a maximum of four days per week) * No physical limitations (i.e., able to perform all activities associated with daily living independently)

Exclusion criteria

* Smoking * Diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders * Use of any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e., corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescribed acne medications) * Chronic use of gastric acid-suppressing medication or anti-coagulants * Unstable weight over the last three months * Diagnosed GI tract disorders or diseases * Blood donation in the past 2 months * Females: pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Optimal protein intake	From enrolment through to study completion, minimum 7 weeks	The optimal protein intake to maximize whole-body protein synthesis rates in healthy, young males and females based on the consumption of milk protein.

Countries

Netherlands

Contacts

CONTACTJulia M Malowany, MSc

julia.malowany@maastrichtuniversity.nl+31 43 388 1617

CONTACTJorn Trommelen, PhD

jorn.trommelen@maastrichtuniversity.nl+31 43 388 1617

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORLuc JC van Loon, PhD

Maastricht University

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Apr 30, 2026