Healthy Adult ParticipantsPhase 2/3NCT07561619
Yeast Protein for Muscle Mass
A Phase 2/3 study testing Yeast Protein, Resistance Training Exercises and Whey Protein in people with Healthy Adult Participants, run by University of Alberta at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
Protein supplementation is said to be one of the cost-efficient and practical strategies to meet protein needs for growth and exercise, and can help maximize muscle gain from resistance exercise. It facilitates faster recovery from stress-induced tissue damage and enhances performance output. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Adult Participants
- What is being tested?
- Yeast Protein, Resistance Training Exercises and Whey Protein
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- Nov 2026to Jul 2029
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants must have the ability to read, understand, and sign an informed consent form and must be willing to comply with study treatment and follow-up.
- Prior resistance training experience (defined as performing resistance exercises >1/week for the past 3 months or longer) to enable them to reach a large training stimulus relatively quickly and to avoid the longer phase of neuromuscular adaptations
- ≥18 years and <35 years of age
Who cannot join
- Diabetes, musculoskeletal disease, cancer, Crohn's disease, or any other acute or chronic condition that interferes (or the medication prescribed for those conditions) with muscle anabolism.
- Diagnosed with or being treated for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure 130/80 mmHg or higher
- Pain/discomfort/pressure in the chest during activities of daily living or physical activity
- Pregnant or not on adequate contraception.
- A known hypersensitivity/allergy to ingredients in the supplements.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
Show all 11Show fewer
- Enrolment in any other clinical protocol or investigational study that may interfere with study procedures
- Taking antibiotics and monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant therapy
- Use of high-dose protein supplements or other workout supplements and not willing to go one week without the supplements before beginning the study
- Liver and kidney disorders
- Abnormal laboratory results (after the first study visit)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Canada1 site
The University of Alberta North Campus
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2R3
Jianping Wu, PhD, (780) 492-6885, jwu3@ualberta.ca
Jianping Wu, PhD
About this study
Official title: Yeast Protein for Muscle Anabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Protein supplementation is said to be one of the cost-efficient and practical strategies to meet protein needs for growth and exercise, and can help maximize muscle gain from resistance exercise. It facilitates faster recovery from stress-induced tissue damage and enhances performance output. Protein sources derived from animal products are generally recognized as the highest quality protein. However, altering the protein composition of a protein source can improve the protein quality. The yeast protein supplement the investigators will use in this study has a similar amino acid composition to whey protein, which is derived from an animal product, but it is produced more sustainably. The study aims to compare the effects of yeast and whey protein on muscle mass over 16 weeks.
Read the detailed description
This is a double-blinded randomized clinical trial of a 16-week nutrition intervention with yeast and whey protein in 72 people (36 per group; 18 male and 18 female) between the ages of 18 and 35, recruited from the University of Alberta campus, Edmonton, Canada. Consenting participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: whey protein or yeast protein by the study coordinator, who will not collect study outcome measurements or analyze the data.
The goal of the trial is to determine if consumption of 40 g per day of yeast protein produces similar effects to 40 g supplementation with whey protein. It is anticipated that daily yeast protein consumption will show similar gains in muscle mass and improvement in immune function, increased diversity in gut microbiota, and amino acid-derived metabolites compared to whey protein.
- Conditions
- Healthy Adult Participants
- Being tested
- Yeast Protein, Resistance Training Exercises, Whey Protein
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Yeast ProteinDietary supplement
60g of protein supplement (40g of protein). Oral administration, 30g during exercise and anytime after exercise, or 30g in the morning and evening if no exercise is performed for a period of 16 weeks.
Resistance Training ExercisesOther
Lower and upper body resistance training exercises 3 times a week for 16 weeks
Whey ProteinDietary supplement
60g of protein supplement (40g of protein). Oral administration, 30g during exercise and anytime after exercise, or 30g in the morning and evening if no exercise is performed for a period of 16 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Whey Protein | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Resistance Training Exercises; Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein |
| Yeast Protein | Experimental | Not described Receives: Dietary Supplement: Yeast Protein; Other: Resistance Training Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in muscle mass
The primary outcome of the study is the change in muscle mass. It is hypothesized that participants consuming yeast protein will show an increase in appendicular lean mass similar to that observed with whey protein.
Measured: 16 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Changes in muscle function, resting energy expenditure, inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, gut microbiota, and metabolites
The secondary outcomes of the study include changes in muscle function, which will be assessed through one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for both the bench press and leg press. Additionally, the investigators will evaluate resting energy expenditure, inflammatory biomarkers, specifically plasma cytokines, as well as oxidative stress markers such as glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, and protein carbonyl levels. The study will also investigate gut microbiota and metabolites. The investigators hypothesize that the secondary outcomes will show similar effects in participants taking yeast protein compared to those taking whey protein.
Measured: 16 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 May 2026
- Study startNov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionNov 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2029 (estimated)
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 Healthy Adult ParticipantsStudies 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 2/3
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Alberta
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07561619
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Pro00156043
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Only researchers who have the training and experience to do the research (also known as "qualified researchers") will be allowed to use the data. IPD collected throughout the trail will be shared on request and with ethics approval after the study results have been accepted and published
Publications
West DWD, Abou Sawan S, Mazzulla M, Williamson E, Moore DR. Whey Protein Supplementation Enhances Whole Body Protein Metabolism and Performance Recovery after Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2017 Jul 11;9(7):735. doi: 10.3390/nu9070735.
PubMed 28696380Patel S. Emerging trends in nutraceutical applications of whey protein and its derivatives. J Food Sci Technol. 2015 Nov;52(11):6847-58. doi: 10.1007/s13197-015-1894-0. Epub 2015 Jun 9.
PubMed 26884639Norton LE, Wilson GJ, Layman DK, Moulton CJ, Garlick PJ. Leucine content of dietary proteins is a determinant of postprandial skeletal muscle protein synthesis in adult rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2012 Jul 20;9(1):67. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-9-67.
PubMed 22818257Joy JM, Lowery RP, Wilson JM, Purpura M, De Souza EO, Wilson SM, Kalman DS, Dudeck JE, Jager R. The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutr J. 2013 Jun 20;12:86. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-86.
PubMed 23782948Cermak NM, Res PT, de Groot LC, Saris WH, van Loon LJ. Protein supplementation augments the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to resistance-type exercise training: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Dec;96(6):1454-64. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.037556. Epub 2012 Nov 7.
PubMed 23134885Banaszek A, Townsend JR, Bender D, Vantrease WC, Marshall AC, Johnson KD. The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations Following 8-Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): A Pilot Study. Sports (Basel). 2019 Jan 4;7(1):12. doi: 10.3390/sports7010012.
PubMed 30621129
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Yeast Protein for Muscle Anabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07561619
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Pro00156043
- Conditions
- Healthy Adult Participants
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of AlbertaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Nov 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 May 2026 (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.
Protein supplementation is said to be one of the cost-efficient and practical strategies to meet protein needs for growth and exercise, and can help maximize muscle gain from resistance exercise. It facilitates faster recovery from stress-induced tissue damage and enhances performance output. Protein sources derived from animal products are generally recognized as the highest quality protein. However, altering the protein composition of a protein source can improve the protein quality. The yeast protein supplement the investigators will use in this study has a similar amino acid composition to whey protein, which is derived from an animal product, but it is produced more sustainably. The study aims to compare the effects of yeast and whey protein on muscle mass over 16 weeks.
Detailed description
This is a double-blinded randomized clinical trial of a 16-week nutrition intervention with yeast and whey protein in 72 people (36 per group; 18 male and 18 female) between the ages of 18 and 35, recruited from the University of Alberta campus, Edmonton, Canada. Consenting participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: whey protein or yeast protein by the study coordinator, who will not collect study outcome measurements or analyze the data.
The goal of the trial is to determine if consumption of 40 g per day of yeast protein produces similar effects to 40 g supplementation with whey protein. It is anticipated that daily yeast protein consumption will show similar gains in muscle mass and improvement in immune function, increased diversity in gut microbiota, and amino acid-derived metabolites compared to whey protein.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Whey Protein | Active comparator | Other: Resistance Training Exercises, Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein |
| Yeast Protein | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Yeast Protein, Other: Resistance Training Exercises |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants must have the ability to read, understand, and sign an informed consent form and must be willing to comply with study treatment and follow-up.
- Prior resistance training experience (defined as performing resistance exercises >1/week for the past 3 months or longer) to enable them to reach a large training stimulus relatively quickly and to avoid the longer phase of neuromuscular adaptations
- ≥18 years and <35 years of age
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Diabetes, musculoskeletal disease, cancer, Crohn's disease, or any other acute or chronic condition that interferes (or the medication prescribed for those conditions) with muscle anabolism.
- Diagnosed with or being treated for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure 130/80 mmHg or higher
- Pain/discomfort/pressure in the chest during activities of daily living or physical activity
- Pregnant or not on adequate contraception.
- A known hypersensitivity/allergy to ingredients in the supplements.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Yeast Protein60g of protein supplement (40g of protein). Oral administration, 30g during exercise and anytime after exercise, or 30g in the morning and evening if no exercise is performed for a period of 16 weeks. | Dietary supplement | Yeast Protein |
| Resistance Training ExercisesLower and upper body resistance training exercises 3 times a week for 16 weeks | Other | Whey Protein, Yeast Protein |
| Whey Protein60g of protein supplement (40g of protein). Oral administration, 30g during exercise and anytime after exercise, or 30g in the morning and evening if no exercise is performed for a period of 16 weeks. | Dietary supplement | Whey Protein |
Primary outcome
Changes in muscle mass
Time frame: 16 weeks
The primary outcome of the study is the change in muscle mass. It is hypothesized that participants consuming yeast protein will show an increase in appendicular lean mass similar to that observed with whey protein.
1 secondary outcome
Changes in muscle function, resting energy expenditure, inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, gut microbiota, and metabolites
Time frame: 16 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 28696380West DWD, Abou Sawan S, Mazzulla M, Williamson E, Moore DR. Whey Protein Supplementation Enhances Whole Body Protein Metabolism and Performance Recovery after Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2017 Jul 11;9(7):735. doi: 10.3390/nu9070735.
- Background: PubMed 26884639Patel S. Emerging trends in nutraceutical applications of whey protein and its derivatives. J Food Sci Technol. 2015 Nov;52(11):6847-58. doi: 10.1007/s13197-015-1894-0. Epub 2015 Jun 9.
- Background: PubMed 22818257Norton LE, Wilson GJ, Layman DK, Moulton CJ, Garlick PJ. Leucine content of dietary proteins is a determinant of postprandial skeletal muscle protein synthesis in adult rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2012 Jul 20;9(1):67. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-9-67.
- Background: PubMed 23782948Joy JM, Lowery RP, Wilson JM, Purpura M, De Souza EO, Wilson SM, Kalman DS, Dudeck JE, Jager R. The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutr J. 2013 Jun 20;12:86. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-86.
- Background: PubMed 23134885Cermak NM, Res PT, de Groot LC, Saris WH, van Loon LJ. Protein supplementation augments the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to resistance-type exercise training: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Dec;96(6):1454-64. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.037556. Epub 2012 Nov 7.
- Background: PubMed 30621129Banaszek A, Townsend JR, Bender D, Vantrease WC, Marshall AC, Johnson KD. The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations Following 8-Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): A Pilot Study. Sports (Basel). 2019 Jan 4;7(1):12. doi: 10.3390/sports7010012.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Only researchers who have the training and experience to do the research (also known as "qualified researchers") will be allowed to use the data. IPD collected throughout the trail will be shared on request and with ethics approval after the study results have been accepted and published
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2/3 study testing Yeast Protein, Resistance Training Exercises and Whey Protein in people with Healthy Adult Participants, run by University of Alberta 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 3 inclusion and 11 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Oct 2026. 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.
What does this combined phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kashimbi Mbuta ((780) 492-6885, muslmass@ualberta.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in muscle mass (time frame: 16 weeks). 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 NCT07561619, 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 7 Oct 2026.