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The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Vascular and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

NCT01956994 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 99

Last updated 2017-10-04

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The "hardening of the arteries" observed with aging raises blood pressure and contributes to poor brain blood flow and loss of cognitive function (i.e. attention, memory, solving problems, making decisions). Cognition is the most important determinant of overall health status, quality of life, functional ability and independence in older adulthood. Nutraceutical strategies have received considerable attention as they may improve cardiovascular health with far fewer side effects compared to drugs. In this regard, dairy products are particularly attractive. Higher dairy consumption is associated with lower blood pressure and improved memory in adults. Milk proteins have natural blood pressure lowering effects. Studies conducted in animals have demonstrated that whey protein (a component of milk protein) may also increase artery elasticity. This is important given the strong association between artery elasticity, brain blood flow, and risk for cognitive decline.

The investigators propose to conduct a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study comparing the effects of whey protein supplementation or carbohydrate placebo on measures of artery elasticity, brain blood flow, and cognitive function in older adults. Whey protein may be a novel dietary therapy to improve both artery health and brain health in older adults.

Conditions

  • Blood Pressure

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Whey protein supplement

Supplements will be provided in powder form and mixed into beverages to be consumed twice per day (after breakfast and after dinner).

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Carbohydrate supplement

Supplements will be provided in powder form and mixed into beverages to be consumed twice per day (after breakfast and after dinner).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Dairy Research Institute

    collaborator OTHER

  • Syracuse University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Kevin S Heffernan, Ph.D. · Syracuse University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
60 Years
Max Age
85 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2013-10-31
Primary Completion
2016-12-31
Completion
2016-12-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT01956994 on ClinicalTrials.gov