Dietary oil shows promise for rare muscle disorder

NCT ID NCT02919631

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a dietary oil called triheptanoin can improve exercise capacity in adults with McArdle disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects how muscles use stored sugar. Twelve participants received either triheptanoin or a placebo oil for two weeks, then switched after a washout period. Researchers measured heart rate during cycling and fatigue levels to see if the oil helped.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Triheptanoin (a dietary oil)
What this could lead to
If it works, triheptanoin could improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in people with McArdle disease.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 12 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the oil may not show meaningful benefit over placebo.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE TYPE V are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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

  • Pitié-Salpêtrière,centre de référence de pathologie neuromusculaire, 47 Bd de l'hôpital

    Paris, 75651, France