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Effects of Protein Supplementation on Brain Function
Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center
Summary
Protein-rich foods may improve brain insulin-sensitivity, which is important for cognitive and metabolic health, and may also translate into an improved food intake regulation. It is therefore pertinent to delineate the effects of plant-derived proteins, which are a more sustainable alternative to animal-derived proteins, on brain insulin-sensitivity and related functional benefits. The hypothesis is that daily plant-derived or animal-derived protein supplementation improves brain vascular function and insulin-sensitivity, thereby improving cognitive performance and appetite control in overweight or obese older men and women. The primary objective is to investigate in overweight or obese older adults the effect of daily protein supplementation for two weeks with either a plant-derived protein or an animal-derived protein on vascular function and insulin-sensitivity in the brain, while changes in cognitive performance and appetite-related brain reward activity will also be evaluated (secondary study objectives). Cerebral blood flow responses before (brain vascular function) and after the administration of intranasal insulin spray (brain insulin-sensitivity) will be quantified by the gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL).
Official title: Effects of Daily Protein Supplementation on Brain Function in Older Adults With Overweight or Obesity
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
25
Start Date
2025-07-02
Completion Date
2025-12-31
Last Updated
2025-07-09
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Protein supplementation with an animal-based protein isolate
Study participants will consume, in random order, twice daily (2 x \~20 g) a plant protein (fava bean protein isolate), animal protein (milk protein isolate) or control (cornstarch providing no extra protein)
Protein supplementation with a plant-based protein isolate
Study participants will consume, in random order, twice daily (2 x \~20 g) a plant protein (fava bean protein isolate), animal protein (milk protein isolate) or control (cornstarch providing no extra protein)
Control arm - cornstarch
Study participants will consume, in random order, twice daily (2 x \~20 g) a plant protein (fava bean protein isolate), animal protein (milk protein isolate) or control (cornstarch providing no extra protein)
Locations (1)
Maastricht University Medical Center
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands