Study #3010: Impact of protein and alkali supplementation on skeletal muscle in older adults

Read our Health & Safety Commitment in response to COVID-19

Target population:
Individuals, ages 65 years and older

Purpose of this study:
To examine the independent and additive effects of whey protein supplementation and potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) supplement on changes in measures of lower extremity muscle power

Major Exclusions:        

• Age <65
• Medications and supplements:
  • Oral steroids for > 10 days in last 3 months
  • Oral, injectable, or topical anabolic and gonadal hormones in the last 6 months
  • Potassium containing supplements or products
  • Insulin
  • Sulfonylureas
• Conditions/ Diseases:
  • A kidney stone in the last 5 years
  • Kidney disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Active malignancy or cancer therapy in the last year
  • Use of a wheelchair or walker

Length of study:

• 24 weeks

Residency:

• None

Stipend:

• $25 for screening visit and up to $1000 for participants who qualify and complete entire study

Number of visits:

• 1 screening visit; up to 8 intra-study visits    

Study diet:

• Maintain usual diet during the study; add a whey protein (or placebo powder packet) and potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) supplement (or placebo) to each meal

Can I work?:

• Yes, but not on the mornings of the baseline (visit 2), 12 week (visit 5) and final 24 week (visit 8).