Steak vs. shake: which protein builds more muscle?
NCT ID NCT06739408
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looked at whether getting protein from whole food (lean red meat) is better than from a supplement (whey protein) for building muscle during resistance training. 81 healthy adults did a 12-week exercise program and had either lean red meat, whey protein, or a placebo drink after each session. Researchers measured changes in muscle strength and body composition to see if protein source matters.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- lean red meat, whey protein, or maltodextrin placebo
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that whole food protein like lean red meat is just as good as supplements for building muscle with exercise.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study in healthy young adults, so results may not apply to older people or those with health conditions. It also does not test any disease treatment.
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
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81 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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Oct 2025
- 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
-
18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * a. Aged between 18 to 35 years old. b. Have completed either no or low level only resistance training in the previous 6 months. c. Are not using any protein or performance/recovery enhancing supplements or willing to stop use for duration of the study. d. Willing to consume study treatment for duration of the study. e. Willing to perform resistance training. f. Must be able and willing to provide written informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have any notable health concern or disability which may conceivably increase risk to the participant and/or affect outcomes. 2. Has performed resistance training in the past 6 months at a moderate or high level. 3. Is a smoker. 4. Is unwilling or unable to perform full body resistance training. 5. Is pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period. 6. Has a food allergy or intolerance that may place participant at risk to consume any of the study treatments. 7. Is post-menopausal or currently undergoing menopause. 8. Follows a vegetarian or meat-avoidant diet.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Human Nutrition Studies Unit, University College Cork
Cork, Co. Cork, T12 CY82, Ireland
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