Gastro-Intestinal DisorderNCT05855174
Protein and Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptoms
A study testing Whey protein in people with Gastro-Intestinal Disorder, run by Mount Royal University at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
Recommendations for carbohydrate intakes in the pre-exercise meal for endurance athletes are available; however, are lacking protein. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to quantify exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and gut fullness occurring in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 59 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Gastro-Intestinal Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Whey protein
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 13 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 13 Mar 2019to 21 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 59 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- recreational competitive runners, defined as running at least 25 km per week
- experiences exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms while running
Who cannot join
- individuals with food allergies,
- gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., celiac disease, irritable bowl syndrome, etc.)
- adherence to a special diet
- pregnancy
- pre-existing medical condition that would prevent them from completing the prescribed exercise
- blood-borne illness
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Recommendations for carbohydrate intakes in the pre-exercise meal for endurance athletes are available; however, are lacking protein. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to quantify exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and gut fullness occurring in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein (intervention) pre-exercise meal. The secondary purpose is to quantify blood glucose responses to a high-protein pre-exercise meal as compared to a low-protein control.
Read the detailed description
Context: Proper nutrition is crucial for peak sport performance. Recommendations for carbohydrate intakes in the pre-exercise meal for endurance athletes are available; however, are lacking for protein. Furthermore, a recent position statement regarding nutrient timing for exercise also lacks protein recommendations. The only advice provided is to avoid "too much" as it may cause gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. The aforementioned recommendation provides no guidance as to how much is "too much" nor, to our knowledge, is there any clinical trial data to support the position. Exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms are a common cause of withdrawal from competition; thus, athletes need to consider the impact of dietary choices on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, as well as performance. Exercise induced GI symptoms can plague all athletes; but the effects seem to be most pronounced in endurance running. The reported prevalence of exercise-induced GI disturbances varies depending on methodology; however a questionnaire administered by the investigator's lab to 440 runners found 41% experienced stomach pain/cramps, 24% had intestinal issues, and over 20% reported bloating, diarrhea and/or gas. Exercise related GI complaints have been broadly related to diet. Research from the investigator's lab has found that many of the top foods that are avoided pre-running, to reduce GI symptoms, are those classified as high in protein (legumes, meat, poultry, fish, milk). These observations are based on self-reported data from experienced runners, and require testing in a clinical setting.
Objectives: 1) to quantify exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms and gut fullness occurring in response to a low protein (control) and high protein (intervention) pre-exercise meal. 2) to quantify blood glucose responses to a high protein pre-exercise meal as compared to a low protein control.
Methods: The study is a single blind crossover design. Endurance runners will be ask to standardize their exercise 3-days prior to testing. The participants will be asked to eat a similar meal in the 24-12 hours pre-testing and fast for 12 hours pre-testing. The participants will be assigned to consume a pre-exercise shake with carbohydrate at 0.75g/kg body weight + water at 5ml/kg body weight and either low whey protein control or high whey protein intervention one hour pre-exercise in a randomized fashion. Participants will then complete a 10 km running protocol at 85% of the participant's race pace on a treadmill in an temperature and humidity controlled room. Gastrointestinal symptoms via self-report questionnaire and blood glucose will be measured at fasting, during the one hour digestive period and post-exercise.
- Conditions
- Gastro-Intestinal Disorder
- Being tested
- Whey protein
- Keywords
- Dietary protein, Runners, Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Medical subject headings
- Digestive System Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Whey proteinDietary supplement
Weight protein provided in a shake with carbohydrate and water
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Low Protein | Active comparator | Protein intake at 0.15g/kg body weight Receives: Dietary Supplement: Whey protein |
| High Protein | Experimental | Protein intake at 0.4 g/kg body weight Receives: Dietary Supplement: Whey protein |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Self-report exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms
Quantify exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms via a 0-9 point Likert scale questionnaire including 6 questions for upper abdominal problems, 7 questions for lower abdominal problems and 5 systemic problems. Likert scale questions are administered at fasting, pre-exercise and post-exercise. Questionnaires are administered in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein pre-exercise meal.
Measured: 3 hours per session
Gut fullness
Gut fullness measured using a 100mm visual analogue scale anchored by not full at all and very full at fasting 15, 30 and 60 minutes post-meal and post run. Questionnaires are administered in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein pre-exercise meal.
Measured: 3 hours per session
Secondary outcomes (2)
Plasma glucose levels
Quantify blood glucose levels via a finger prick and blood glucose meter in response to a high protein pre-exercise meal as compared to a low protein control at fasting, 30 minutes post meal, 60 minutes post-meal and post 10 km run.
Measured: 3 hours per session
Perceive exertion
Perceived exertion during the 10 km challenge run will be measured via Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale post run.
Measured: 1 hour per session
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2023
- Study start13 Mar 2019
- Primary completion21 Dec 2023
- Study completion21 Dec 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Gastro-Intestinal DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Crossover intervention; all participants will have a low protein and a high protein session.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 13 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Mount Royal University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Jill A Parnell, PhD, Principal investigator, Mount Royal University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05855174
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MountRoyalU
- Status last verified
- Mar 2024
- First submitted
- 22 Mar 2023
- Last updated
- 21 Mar 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Briggs MA, Harper LD, McNamee G, Cockburn E, Rumbold PLS, Stevenson EJ, Russell M. The effects of an increased calorie breakfast consumed prior to simulated match-play in Academy soccer players. Eur J Sport Sci. 2017 Aug;17(7):858-866. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1301560. Epub 2017 Mar 21.
PubMed 28323574Costa RJS, Snipe RMJ, Kitic CM, Gibson PR. Systematic review: exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome-implications for health and intestinal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Aug;46(3):246-265. doi: 10.1111/apt.14157. Epub 2017 Jun 7.
PubMed 28589631Kerksick CM, Arent S, Schoenfeld BJ, Stout JR, Campbell B, Wilborn CD, Taylor L, Kalman D, Smith-Ryan AE, Kreider RB, Willoughby D, Arciero PJ, VanDusseldorp TA, Ormsbee MJ, Wildman R, Greenwood M, Ziegenfuss TN, Aragon AA, Antonio J. International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutrient timing. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Aug 29;14:33. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0189-4. eCollection 2017.
PubMed 28919842Parnell JA, Wagner-Jones K, Madden RF, Erdman KA. Dietary restrictions in endurance runners to mitigate exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Jun 10;17(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-00361-w.
PubMed 32522222Pfeiffer B, Stellingwerff T, Hodgson AB, Randell R, Pottgen K, Res P, Jeukendrup AE. Nutritional intake and gastrointestinal problems during competitive endurance events. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Feb;44(2):344-51. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822dc809.
PubMed 21775906Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016 Mar;116(3):501-528. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006.
PubMed 26920240
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Mar 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Protein and Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05855174
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MountRoyalU
- Conditions
- Gastro-Intestinal Disorder
- Keywords
- Dietary protein, Runners, Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 13 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Mount Royal UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 21 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Dec 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 May 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Recommendations for carbohydrate intakes in the pre-exercise meal for endurance athletes are available; however, are lacking protein. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to quantify exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and gut fullness occurring in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein (intervention) pre-exercise meal. The secondary purpose is to quantify blood glucose responses to a high-protein pre-exercise meal as compared to a low-protein control.
Detailed description
Context: Proper nutrition is crucial for peak sport performance. Recommendations for carbohydrate intakes in the pre-exercise meal for endurance athletes are available; however, are lacking for protein. Furthermore, a recent position statement regarding nutrient timing for exercise also lacks protein recommendations. The only advice provided is to avoid "too much" as it may cause gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. The aforementioned recommendation provides no guidance as to how much is "too much" nor, to our knowledge, is there any clinical trial data to support the position. Exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms are a common cause of withdrawal from competition; thus, athletes need to consider the impact of dietary choices on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, as well as performance. Exercise induced GI symptoms can plague all athletes; but the effects seem to be most pronounced in endurance running. The reported prevalence of exercise-induced GI disturbances varies depending on methodology; however a questionnaire administered by the investigator's lab to 440 runners found 41% experienced stomach pain/cramps, 24% had intestinal issues, and over 20% reported bloating, diarrhea and/or gas. Exercise related GI complaints have been broadly related to diet. Research from the investigator's lab has found that many of the top foods that are avoided pre-running, to reduce GI symptoms, are those classified as high in protein (legumes, meat, poultry, fish, milk). These observations are based on self-reported data from experienced runners, and require testing in a clinical setting.
Objectives: 1) to quantify exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms and gut fullness occurring in response to a low protein (control) and high protein (intervention) pre-exercise meal. 2) to quantify blood glucose responses to a high protein pre-exercise meal as compared to a low protein control.
Methods: The study is a single blind crossover design. Endurance runners will be ask to standardize their exercise 3-days prior to testing. The participants will be asked to eat a similar meal in the 24-12 hours pre-testing and fast for 12 hours pre-testing. The participants will be assigned to consume a pre-exercise shake with carbohydrate at 0.75g/kg body weight + water at 5ml/kg body weight and either low whey protein control or high whey protein intervention one hour pre-exercise in a randomized fashion. Participants will then complete a 10 km running protocol at 85% of the participant's race pace on a treadmill in an temperature and humidity controlled room. Gastrointestinal symptoms via self-report questionnaire and blood glucose will be measured at fasting, during the one hour digestive period and post-exercise.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Crossover intervention; all participants will have a low protein and a high protein session.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Low Protein | Active comparator | Dietary Supplement: Whey proteinProtein intake at 0.15g/kg body weight |
| High Protein | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Whey proteinProtein intake at 0.4 g/kg body weight |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 59 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- recreational competitive runners, defined as running at least 25 km per week
- experiences exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms while running
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- individuals with food allergies,
- gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., celiac disease, irritable bowl syndrome, etc.)
- adherence to a special diet
- pregnancy
- pre-existing medical condition that would prevent them from completing the prescribed exercise
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Whey proteinWeight protein provided in a shake with carbohydrate and water | Dietary supplement | High Protein, Low Protein |
Primary outcome
Self-report exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms
Time frame: 3 hours per session
Quantify exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms via a 0-9 point Likert scale questionnaire including 6 questions for upper abdominal problems, 7 questions for lower abdominal problems and 5 systemic problems. Likert scale questions are administered at fasting, pre-exercise and post-exercise. Questionnaires are administered in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein pre-exercise meal.
Gut fullness
Time frame: 3 hours per session
Gut fullness measured using a 100mm visual analogue scale anchored by not full at all and very full at fasting 15, 30 and 60 minutes post-meal and post run. Questionnaires are administered in response to a low protein (control) and a high protein pre-exercise meal.
2 secondary outcomes
Plasma glucose levels
Time frame: 3 hours per session
Perceive exertion
Time frame: 1 hour per session
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Mar 2024.
- Background: PubMed 28323574Briggs MA, Harper LD, McNamee G, Cockburn E, Rumbold PLS, Stevenson EJ, Russell M. The effects of an increased calorie breakfast consumed prior to simulated match-play in Academy soccer players. Eur J Sport Sci. 2017 Aug;17(7):858-866. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1301560. Epub 2017 Mar 21.
- Background: PubMed 28589631Costa RJS, Snipe RMJ, Kitic CM, Gibson PR. Systematic review: exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome-implications for health and intestinal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Aug;46(3):246-265. doi: 10.1111/apt.14157. Epub 2017 Jun 7.
- Background: PubMed 28919842Kerksick CM, Arent S, Schoenfeld BJ, Stout JR, Campbell B, Wilborn CD, Taylor L, Kalman D, Smith-Ryan AE, Kreider RB, Willoughby D, Arciero PJ, VanDusseldorp TA, Ormsbee MJ, Wildman R, Greenwood M, Ziegenfuss TN, Aragon AA, Antonio J. International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutrient timing. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Aug 29;14:33. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0189-4. eCollection 2017.
- Background: PubMed 32522222Parnell JA, Wagner-Jones K, Madden RF, Erdman KA. Dietary restrictions in endurance runners to mitigate exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Jun 10;17(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-00361-w.
- Background: PubMed 21775906Pfeiffer B, Stellingwerff T, Hodgson AB, Randell R, Pottgen K, Res P, Jeukendrup AE. Nutritional intake and gastrointestinal problems during competitive endurance events. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Feb;44(2):344-51. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822dc809.
- Background: PubMed 26920240Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016 Mar;116(3):501-528. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Jill A Parnell, PhD principal investigator
Mount Royal University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Whey protein in people with Gastro-Intestinal Disorder, run by Mount Royal University at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Mar 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Self-report exercise induced gastrointestinal symptoms (time frame: 3 hours per session). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05855174, which also lists 6 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Mar 2024.