Exercise and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)Requirements in Older Men

Condition(s) targeted: Sarcopenia

Intervention: Branched chain amino acid (Dietary Supplement); Strength training (Behavioral)

Phase: N/A

Status: Not yet recruiting

Sponsored by: University of Western Ontario, Canada

Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s):
Peter Lemon, PhD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: University of Western Ontario, Canada
Arash Bandegan, MSc., Study Director, Affiliation: University of Western Ontario, Canada

Overall contact:
Arash Bandegan, MSc., Phone: 519 614 0266, Email: abandega@uwo.ca

Likely, branched chain amino acid (BCAA) requirements are increased in older strength-trained (ST) individuals. If so, supplementation in this group will maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and minimize loss of muscle with age (sarcopenia).

Official title: Can Branched Chained Amino Acid Supplementation Combined With Strength-Training Minimize Sarcopenia in Older Men?

Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Bio-availability Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Primary outcome: Branched chain amino acid requirement of older strength trained men

Secondary outcome: Measuring body composition and muscle cross sectional area

Detailed description: We hypothesize that the dietary requirement for the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in an older strength-trained (ST) population will be greater than the current recommendation (RDA). If so, a greater intake of BCAA together with ST is necessary if one aims to maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Currently, the BCAA requirement in the ST older population (55-65 y) is unknown. This is critical information especially given the value of ST for overall health.

Minimum age: 55 Years. Maximum age: 65 Years. Gender(s): Male.

Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

- Recreationally active (~2-3 h/wk of physical activity) healthy older men (55-65 y)

- A minimum of 4 month weight training experience

Exclusion Criteria:

- Have symptoms or take medication for respiratory disease

- Have symptoms or take medication for cardiovascular disease

- Have symptoms or take medication for metabolic disease

- Have symptoms or take mediation for neuromuscular disease

- Use heart rate or blood pressure medications

- Use any medications with side effects of dizziness, lack of motor control, or slowed

reaction time

- Have an excessive alcohol intake (more than 2 drinks per day)

- Have any cardiovascular or neuromuscular limitations to exercise

- Are allergic to milk or milk products

- Use anabolic steroids or performance enhancing drugs

Arash Bandegan, MSc., Phone: 519 614 0266, Email: abandega@uwo.ca

Exercise Nutrition Research Laboratory, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada; Not yet recruiting
Peter Lemon, PhD, Principal Investigator
Arash Bandegan, MSc., Sub-Investigator

Related publications:

Riazi R, Wykes LJ, Ball RO, Pencharz PB. The total branched-chain amino acid requirement in young healthy adult men determined by indicator amino acid oxidation by use of L-[1-13C]phenylalanine. J Nutr. 2003 May;133(5):1383-9.

Lemon PW, Tarnopolsky MA, MacDougall JD, Atkinson SA. Protein requirements and muscle mass/strength changes during intensive training in novice bodybuilders. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1992 Aug;73(2):767-75.

Norton LE, Layman DK. Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Feb;136(2):533S-537S.

Pencharz PB, Ball RO. Different approaches to define individual amino acid requirements. Annu Rev Nutr. 2003;23:101-16. Epub 2003 Feb 21. Review.

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Lemon PW. Beyond the zone: protein needs of active individuals. J Am Coll Nutr. 2000 Oct;19(5 Suppl):513S-521S. Review.

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Katsanos CS, Kobayashi H, Sheffield-Moore M, Aarsland A, Wolfe RR. A high proportion of leucine is required for optimal stimulation of the rate of muscle protein synthesis by essential amino acids in the elderly. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Aug;291(2):E381-7. Epub 2006 Feb 28.

Katsanos CS, Kobayashi H, Sheffield-Moore M, Aarsland A, Wolfe RR. Aging is associated with diminished accretion of muscle proteins after the ingestion of a small bolus of essential amino acids. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Nov;82(5):1065-73.

Humayun MA, Elango R, Ball RO, Pencharz PB. Reevaluation of the protein requirement in young men with the indicator amino acid oxidation technique. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):995-1002.

Dardevet D, Rieu I, Fafournoux P, Sornet C, Combaret L, Bruhat A, Mordier S, Mosoni L, Grizard J. Leucine: a key amino acid in ageing-associated sarcopenia? Nutr Res Rev. 2003 Jun;16(1):61-70. doi: 10.1079/NRR200252.

Cermak NM, Res PT, de Groot LC, Saris WH, van Loon LJ. Protein supplementation augments the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to resistance-type exercise training: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Dec;96(6):1454-64. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.037556. Epub 2012 Nov 7. Review.

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Campbell WW, Trappe TA, Wolfe RR, Evans WJ. The recommended dietary allowance for protein may not be adequate for older people to maintain skeletal muscle. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Jun;56(6):M373-80.

Starting date: October 2013
Last updated: August 26, 2013