Can a simple amino acid drink help elderly COPD patients keep muscle?
NCT ID NCT01173354
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a special essential amino acid supplement (high in leucine) could help elderly patients with COPD build muscle protein better than a standard amino acid mixture. Thirty-four participants received a one-time dose of either supplement, and researchers measured changes in protein synthesis and breakdown. The goal was to see if targeting specific metabolic issues could improve muscle health in COPD.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- essential amino acid mixture (high leucine)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a nutritional supplement to help prevent muscle loss in elderly COPD patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study (34 people) looking only at short-term effects. It does not test long-term benefits or safety, so results may not lead to a practical treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, United States
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