RecruitingACTRN12623001300662

Dose response of alpha lactalbumin supplementation on serum Tryptophan (TRP):Large Neutral Amino Acid (LNAA) ratio.

Dose response of alpha lactalbumin supplementation on serum TRP:LNAA ratio in active population.

Sponsor

Deakin University -Centre for Sports Research

Enrollment

16 participants

Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Serum tryptophan (TRP): Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA) ratio

Summary

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, acts as a precursor to Melatonin and can influence its synthesis and function. Tryptophan is transported across the blood brain barrier by the same transporters as other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) and has to compete with them to cross the barrier, for its availability. Alpha lactalbumin (ALAC), a whey protein, is a good source of tryptophan and has previously been found to increase the TRP:LNAA ratio up to 130%. This study aims to investigate the dose response effect of ALAC on TRP:LNAA ratio to identify the optimal timing and dosage of supplementation. Participants will be administered 4 different doses in a double blind, counterbalanced, crossover trial. Outcome measures include measuring TRP:LNAA ratio at various time-points, plasma melatonin levels and palatability and preference of the different supplement doses. This study outcome will set precedence for further research using to improve sleep outcomes.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 35 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Getting a good night's sleep is influenced by many factors — including the amino acid tryptophan, which the brain uses to produce melatonin (the hormone that triggers sleep). Tryptophan has to compete with other amino acids to cross into the brain, so eating more tryptophan doesn't automatically mean more melatonin. However, a protein called alpha lactalbumin, found in whey, is naturally high in tryptophan and may shift this balance in favour of sleep. This crossover study will give participants four different doses of alpha lactalbumin supplement at different sessions (in random order), and then measure the ratio of tryptophan to competing amino acids in their blood, as well as their melatonin levels. The goal is to find the optimal dose and timing of supplementation — setting the foundation for future research on improving sleep quality through nutrition. Eligible participants are healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18–35 who meet weekly exercise guidelines. People with existing sleep disorders, taking sleep aids or antidepressants, doing shift work, or with a PSQI sleep quality score above 5 are not eligible. Dairy allergy and heavy alcohol consumption are also exclusions.

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Interventions

Study Design -Through a randomised, double blinded, crossover design, each participant will receive all four dosages (10,20,30,40g) of the experimental BiPRO Alpha 9000 (Agropur Inc, Appleton, WI) alpha-lactalbumin (ALAC) supplement powder, in the form of a beverage (mixed with water and non-caloric sweetener), on four different occasions, separated by a washout period. The different ALAC supplement doses will be matched for taste and provided to participants by an external researcher, to ensure both participants and the researcher team remain blind to the treatments. The participant will be supervised by the student researcher to ensure they complete consumption of the beverage within 10 minutes of receiving it. Washout -The wash-out phase is defined as a period of minimum three days to limit any carry-over effect of the ALAC supplement on the serum Tryptophan:LNAA ratio before administering the next dose. This ensures that the experimental protein dosages are adequately separated. During the wash-out period, the participants will be required to continue eating and training as per their usual routine. No supplement will be provided during this phase. As is the nature of a crossover trial, each participant will serve as their own control.

Locations(1)

VIC, Australia

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ACTRN12623001300662