To assess the impact of a nutritional formulation containing caprylic acid and omega 3 fatty acids on skeletal muscle function recovery from damaging exercise.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Muscle disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Recovery of muscle function following a single bout of damaging exercise,
expressed as maximal voluntary muscle contractile function (MVC) before and
after exercise.
Secondary outcome
Secondary endpoints: recovery of muscle fatigue, soreness and plasma markers of
damage and inflammation following a single bout of damaging exercise.
Background summary
Maintaining muscle health is crucial for mobility and independence,
particularly in aging populations where inflammation, oxidative stress, and
muscle damage can exacerbate functional declines. Caprylic acid, metabolized
into ketones, provides an efficient energy source that supports muscle repair
and growth by modulating anabolic pathways, while omega-3 fatty acids offer
anti-inflammatory benefits that may reduce muscle soreness and fatigue
post-exercise. The combined effects of these nutrients on muscle recovery have
yet to be systematically examined.
This research explores whether a vegan, plant-based emulsion containing these
nutrients could offer a sustainable, accessible solution for muscle health
maintenance, addressing a gap in dietary supplements tailored to a growing
vegan demographic and supporting ethical and environmental goals.
Study objective
To assess the impact of a nutritional formulation containing caprylic acid and
omega 3 fatty acids on skeletal muscle function recovery from damaging
exercise.
Study design
randomized, parallel (two groups) study design
Intervention
During this 7-day study, two 100 ml emulsions will be compared for their effect
on muscle function recovery following a single bout of damaging exercise. The
emulsions differ in the type of fatty acids (test versus control formulation),
which will be ingested in standardized state (day -3 - 0: once daily, in the
evening at 10 PM; testday 1-4: once daily, in the morning after an overnight
fast). One group will receive a *test emulsion* which contains the medium-chain
fatty acid caprylic acid and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which are
known to influence metabolic and inflammatory pathways that affect muscle
health. The other group will receive the 'control emulsion' which contains
fatty acids that do not exert these effects, while the other ingredients will
remain similar to create an isocaloric alternative.
Study burden and risks
The test drinks contain commercially available, and food grade ingredients
which are safe for human consideration. The drinks will be prepared according
to GMP standards. Participants could experience some gastric or intestinal
discomfort after intake of the drinks. Insertion of a catheter in a vein is
comparable to a normal blood draw and the only risk is a small local hematoma.
Eccentric exercise is known to induce muscle damage and soreness which is
resolved by around 4 days after the exercise bout. When making the DXA scan, a
very low amount of X-ray radiation is used. The total exposure to radiation as
a result of the DXA scan is so low that it poses no health risks.
De Elst 1
Wageningen 6708WD
NL
De Elst 1
Wageningen 6708WD
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all
of the following criteria:
- Young (>=18 and <=35 years)
- Male sex
- Non-obese (>=18.5 and <=27.5 kg/m2)
- Recreationally active (performing non-competitive exercise at least one time
a week for minimally 30 minutes)
Exclusion criteria
A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded
from participation in this study:
- Smoking
- Participation in structural exercise with a major eccentric component (e.g.
soccer, basketball, trail running, etc*)
- Chronic use of any prescribed over the counter pharmaceuticals
- Any history of medical or surgical events that may effect the study outcomes
- Following a specific diet (e.g. weight loss, ketogenic, vegan)
- Taking protein supplements
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL88300.028.24 |