Can a protein boost stop muscle loss in the ICU?

NCT ID NCT06714240

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving critically ill patients more protein in their tube feed (1.3 grams per kg of body weight per day, instead of the standard 0.8 grams) can help their muscles build protein and reduce wasting. Twenty-six adults on ventilators in the ICU will be randomly assigned to one of two protein levels. Muscle biopsies and blood samples will measure how well their muscles respond.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: tube feed with higher protein levels
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple nutritional strategy to reduce muscle wasting in critically ill patients.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study (26 people) looking at lab markers, not clinical outcomes like strength or recovery. Results may not lead to a proven 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.

Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CRITICAL ILLNESS MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHETIC RESPONSE TO PROTEIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Jessa Hospital Campus Virga Jesse
RECRUITING

Hasselt, Limburg, 3500, Belgium

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