Plant or milk protein: which boosts muscle in seniors?
NCT ID NCT06403137
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looked at whether daily protein supplements (from plants or milk) can help healthy older adults build and maintain muscle, especially when combined with exercise. Fifty-one participants aged 60-80 received either a plant protein blend, milk protein, or a placebo, along with a controlled diet and some leg exercises. The goal was to measure muscle protein synthesis rates to see if these supplements offer a benefit over a standard diet alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
plant protein blend, milk protein supplement, maltodextrin supplement
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that plant-based protein supplements are a viable alternative to milk protein for supporting muscle maintenance in older adults.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study (51 participants) measuring short-term muscle protein synthesis, not long-term muscle mass or strength. Results may not apply to less healthy or younger populations.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Maastricht University Medical Center+
Maastricht, Limburg, 6229ER, Netherlands