NCT07167277

The Impact of Whey Protein on Frailty in Older Adults Classified as Pre-frail

Impact of Whey Protein on Frailty - a Pilot Study

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years – 85 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Detailed 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 Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. Participants will be asked to complete a total of 4 study visits, all taking place on the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) main campus. Two of these visits will include an MRI scan. Participation will last about 3 months.

Conditions

• Pre-frail
• Pre-Frail Older Adults
• Cognition
• Physical Function
• Dietary Intake Assessment
• MRI

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Whey 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_SUPPLEMENT	Placebo	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-01
• Completion: 2026-02-01
• First posted: 2025-09-11
• Last updated: 2025-09-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States