NCT07314658

Time-restricted Eating (TRE) and Protein in Older Adults

The Effects of Time-restricted Eating (TRE) With and Without Additional Protein on Body Composition, Muscle Function and Markers of Metabolic Health in Older Adults

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Surrey · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aim this study is to investigate the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on body composition, muscle function and markers of metabolic health of adults over 60 years old. This study will compare different variations of TRE - with and without an additional protein. This study involves attending two study days at the University of Surrey for baseline and end-of-intervention measurement of body composition using a gold-standard dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan; muscle function using hand grip strength and 30-second sit-to-stand tests; weight. A blood sample will be taken at each study visit to measure markers of lipid and glucose control, and insulin sensitivity. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of four study groups: * control group: maintain habitual dietary patterns * TRE group: fast for 16 hours overnight, eat between 12-8pm * TRE + Protein (AM): fast for 16 hours overnight, eat between 12-8pm; take a 30g plant-based protein supplement in the morning * TRE + Protein (PM): fast for 16 hours overnight, eat between 12-8pm; take a 30g plant-based protein supplement in the afternoon Participants will be asked to follow the intervention according to their allocated group for 8 weeks.

Conditions

• Generally Healthy Adults Over 60 Years Old

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	TRE	* Participants will be asked to follow a 16:8 TRE protocol, consuming all their daily within 8 hours, between 12 and 8pm, and fast for 16 hours overnight. * Outside of the eating window, participants will be allowed to consume energy-free drinks only, i.e. water, black tea/coffee, 0-calorie soft drinks.
OTHER	ProtAM TRE	* Participants will be asked to follow a 16:8 TRE protocol, consuming all their daily within 8 hours, between 12 and 8pm, and fast for 16 hours overnight. * Outside of the eating window, participants will be allowed to consume energy-free drinks only, i.e. water, black tea/coffee, 0-calorie soft drinks. * In addition, they will be asked to consume a protein drink containing 30g protein in the morning, 2 hours before the 8-hour eating window opens at 12pm (i.e. at 10am).
OTHER	ProtPM TRE	* Participants will be asked to follow a 16:8 TRE protocol, consuming all their daily within 8 hours, between 12 and 8pm, and fast for 16 hours overnight. * Outside of the eating window, participants will be allowed to consume energy-free drinks only, i.e. water, black tea/coffee, 0-calorie soft drinks. * In addition, they will be asked to consume a protein drink containing 30g protein in the afternoon, either 2 hours after their first meal or 2 hours before their last meal of the day.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-01
• Primary completion: 2027-06-01
• Completion: 2027-07-01
• First posted: 2026-01-02
• Last updated: 2026-01-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United Kingdom