Protein Shakes and Your Body's Nutrient Responses

This study wants to understand how different protein shakes affect your body's metabolism (how your body uses food for energy) and immune system. Researchers are testing three types of smoothies: an Animal-Based Protein Smoothie, a Plant-Based Protein Smoothie, and a Plant-Based Protein Smoothie with Leucine (an important amino acid). They want to see if these smoothies change the levels of amino acids like leucine in your blood and how your body responds. You might be able to join if you are a healthy adult between 18 and 65 years old with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9, and are not on a special diet. The study's current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized, controlled, crossover study involving 20 healthy adults. It compares the effects of different protein smoothies on the body.
What's involved
You will come to the research clinic for 3 visits. At each visit, you will drink a high-protein smoothie and give blood samples before and 1 and 3 hours after drinking it.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your blood will be drawn from enrollment up to 4 weeks after the final blood draw.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07121010

How Animal and Plant Protein Shakes Change the Body's Nutrient and Health Responses

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalBasic science
University of Pittsburgh
~20 participants
Updated 2026-03-25 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Animal-Based Protein SmoothiePlant-Based Protein SmoothiePlant-Based Protein Smoothie with Leucine

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Circulating Serum Leucine Concentration
Measured over From enrollment to final blood draw at 4 weeks
Cardiometabolic Health
1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1
  • Babak Razani, MD-PhD · STUDY_DIRECTOR · University of Pittsburgh

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  • Change in Circulating Serum Leucine ConcentrationFrom enrollment to final blood draw at 4 weeks

    This outcome measures the change in circulating serum leucine concentration from fasting baseline to 1 and 3 hours postprandially following ingestion of each of the three test meals: animal-based protein, plant-based protein, and plant-based protein supplemented with free leucine. Values will be compared within participants across the three meal conditions to assess how protein source and leucine content affect postprandial amino acid levels. Serum leucine will be quantified using targeted mass spectrometry. Unit of Measure: Micromoles per liter (μmol/L)