Beef vs. tofu: which protein builds more muscle in seniors?

NCT ID NCT07254403

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Texas A&M University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how well older adults (ages 65-95) with signs of frailty use protein from beef versus tofu to build muscle. Researchers will use a new technique to measure how the body processes these proteins. The goal is to understand which protein source might better support muscle health and prevent frailty-related decline.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: beef and tofu protein
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help identify which protein sources best support muscle health in older adults, potentially guiding dietary recommendations to prevent frailty.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage observational study (60 participants) measuring short-term amino acid responses, not long-term health outcomes. Results may not apply to all older adults or lead to direct treatment changes.

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

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 60 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Oct 2025

Expected to finish

Dec 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

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

65 to 95 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion criteria: * Age 65-95 years old * Ability to walk, sit down, and stand up (independently or with walking assistance device) * No recent use (\< 4 weeks prior to start of the study) of dietary supplements and medication influencing protein and amino acid metabolism (e.g., antibiotics, oral corticosteroids) * Willingness to lay supine in bed for up to 6 hours * Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol Exclusion criteria * Presence of malnutrition (BMI \< 17 kg/m2), 2). BMI \>35 kg/m2 to avoid weight-related metabolic disturbances, * Established diagnosis and active treatment of chronic disease: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, active malignancy, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, Asthma (moderate to severe), Hep (A, B, or C) * History of untreated metabolic disease including hepatic or renal disorder * Presence of fever within the last 3 days * Cirrhosis of liver * Diagnosis of dementia, neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, frontotemporal dementia). * (Possible) pregnancy * Presence of acute illness or metabolically unstable chronic illness * Active dependence on alcohol or drugs * Newly prescribed long-term oral corticosteroids * Planned elective surgery requiring 2 or more days of hospitalization during the entire study * Failure to give informed consent or Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the subject * Already enrolled in another clinical trial * Any condition according to the PI or nurse that was found during the screening visit, that would interfere with the study or safety of the patient * Known allergy to any of the components of the feeding (soy, beef) * Established daily diet of vegetarian/vegan composition

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Protein metabolism are added.

Vår säkerhetsrekommendation!

Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Protein metabolism

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

Open the record ↗
A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

Beef vs. tofu: which protein builds more muscle in seniors?

What the study statuses mean