Protein timing: does it really matter for muscle growth?
NCT ID NCT07245199
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study will test whether spreading protein intake throughout the day (4 doses of 25g) builds more muscle than eating it all at once (100g) or in many small doses (15 doses of 7g). Thirty-six healthy young adults will follow these patterns after resistance exercise. The goal is to see which pattern best supports muscle protein building.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- protein intake (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help refine dietary protein recommendations for maximizing muscle growth after exercise.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, not patients. Results may not apply to older adults or those with medical conditions.
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
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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
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About 36 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jan 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide 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: * Aged between 18-40 years * Healthy * 18.5 ≤ BMI 30 ≤ kg・m-2 Exclusion Criteria: * Smoking * Sports/exercise \>4 sessions/week or a structured resistance or endurance training schedule * Lactose intolerant or allergies to milk protein * A history of neuromuscular problems * Use of anticoagulation medication * Individuals on any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. , non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescription acne medications). * Strict vegetarian * Injury or condition that would limit the participant from performing the resistance exercise. * Pregnancy * Hormone replacement therapy * Blood donation within the past 2 months
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Maastricht University
Maastricht, Netherlands
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