Fish protein supplements and sarcopenia in residential care facilities

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Blue Whiting protein hydrolysates and sarcopenia outcomes in older adults residing in residential care facilities (SARCO_CARE)

  • IRAS ID

    285660

  • Contact name

    Philip Allsopp

  • Contact email

    pj.allsopp@ulster.acuk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Ulster University

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NCT05637450

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    FCBMS-20- 062, School of Biomedical Sciences Ethics Filter Committee

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 1 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Ageing well is a global health priority and the prevention of sarcopenia a top priority for health and social care. Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder involving the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function that is associated with increased adverse outcomes including falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Diet, specifically protein, has been proposed to have a role in the prevention and treatment of muscle loss in the older adult population nevertheless there is paucity of research on the effect of protein supplementation on lean body mass and other clinical outcomes in older adults and especially those in residential care.

    In this research, a total of 80 eligible and consenting participants will be randomly allocated to consume one sachet per day of flavoured fish protein hydrolysate powder daily (mixed with orange juice) vs control flavoured powder (mixed with orange juice) for a period of 12 weeks.

    A fasting blood sample will be taken before and after intervention to determine the effect of the fish protein powder on lipid profile and inflammation and vitamin D concentrations. Blood pressure, muscle strength and body composition will also be assessed, and some health & lifestyle habits and quality of life will be captured using questionnaires.

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    22/NI/0108

  • Date of REC Opinion

    17 Aug 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion