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Leucine Requirements in School-Age Children
Sponsor: University of British Columbia
Summary
Leucine is an essential amino acid, which serves a special purpose of signaling cell growth in muscle in addition to making up protein. Essential amino acids like leucine need to be eaten every day from our foods like meat, dairy, eggs, beans, and nuts, as they cannot be made by our bodies. The current recommendation for leucine in the diet of school-age children are based upon adult needs. This study will measure the leucine requirement in children aged 6-10 years old using an non-invasive technique with special diets, safe stable isotopes, and simple breath collections. Creating guidelines based on measured requirements for leucine in this age group is essential for supporting optimal growth in healthy children.
Official title: Determination of Leucine Requirements in Healthy School-Age Children Using the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation Method
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
6 Years - 10 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
7
Start Date
2026-05-01
Completion Date
2027-12-31
Last Updated
2026-03-25
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Leucine Intake
Participants consume 8 hourly meals that contain the assigned test leucine intake. Each meal will provide one-twelfth of the participants' daily energy requirements as estimated by 1.7 x Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and adequate protein at 1.5 g/kg/d, to maintain a metabolic steady state. The meals are in the form of a crystalline amino acid protein shake, and protein-free cookies.
Locations (1)
BC Children's Hospital Research Institute
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada