Can amino acids boost energy for kidney patients on dialysis?
NCT ID NCT05705414
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This early-phase study tests whether taking amino acid supplements during dialysis can reduce fatigue, frailty, and improve thinking in people with end-stage kidney disease. Researchers will compare a single amino acid (valine) with a mix of essential amino acids in 28 adults on hemodialysis. The goal is to see if these supplements can help patients feel more energetic and stronger.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Amino acid supplements (valine or essential amino acids)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, safe way to ease fatigue and improve quality of life for people on dialysis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 28 participants. The supplements may not work better than placebo, and results may not apply to all dialysis patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
28 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Oct 2024
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 64 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or Female 2. Age 18-64 years 3. Receiving 3 x weekly in clinic hemodialysis for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: 1. Hypersensitivity to amino acid(s) and/or any excipient 2. Clinical documentation of COVID-19 3. Concomitant intake of amino acids supplements 4. Current use or abuse of alcohol, marijuana, narcotic, or other substances 5. Heart failure receiving active management 6. Malignant cancer receiving anticancer therapy 7. Diagnosis of major depressive disorder receiving antidepressants 8. Diagnosis of chronic liver disease 9. Cerebrovascular disease with sequelae 10. Upper limb amputation, osteoarthritis, or degenerative diseases of fingers, carpel tunnel syndrome in the non-fistula or graft hand preventing completion of hand grip strength test.
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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
-
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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