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| Name | Class |
|---|---|
| Dairy Research Institute | OTHER |
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The "hardening of the arteries" observed with aging raises blood pressure and contributes to poor brain blood flow and loss of cognitive function (i.e. attention, memory, solving problems, making decisions). Cognition is the most important determinant of overall health status, quality of life, functional ability and independence in older adulthood. Nutraceutical strategies have received considerable attention as they may improve cardiovascular health with far fewer side effects compared to drugs. In this regard, dairy products are particularly attractive. Higher dairy consumption is associated with lower blood pressure and improved memory in adults. Milk proteins have natural blood pressure lowering effects. Studies conducted in animals have demonstrated that whey protein (a component of milk protein) may also increase artery elasticity. This is important given the strong association between artery elasticity, brain blood flow, and risk for cognitive decline.
The investigators propose to conduct a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study comparing the effects of whey protein supplementation or carbohydrate placebo on measures of artery elasticity, brain blood flow, and cognitive function in older adults. Whey protein may be a novel dietary therapy to improve both artery health and brain health in older adults.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 50 g whey protein isolate or placebo each day for 12 weeks.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whey protein supplement | Experimental | Subjects will be instructed to consume 40 g whey protein each day for 12 weeks. |
|
| Carbohydrate supplement | Active Comparator | Subjects will be instructed to consume a carbohydrate supplement (iso-caloric to the whey supplement) each day for 12 weeks. |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whey protein supplement | Dietary Supplement | Supplements will be provided in powder form and mixed into beverages to be consumed twice per day (after breakfast and after dinner). |
|
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in carotid artery blood pressure at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in arterial stiffness at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | |
| Change in endothelial function at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in physical activity at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | |
| Change in dietary patterns at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. |
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin S Heffernan, Ph.D. | Syracuse University | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University Human Performance Laboratory | Syracuse | New York | 13244 | United States |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| C008315 | maltodextrin |
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| Carbohydrate supplement | Dietary Supplement | Supplements will be provided in powder form and mixed into beverages to be consumed twice per day (after breakfast and after dinner). |
|
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| Change in cognitive function at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. |
| Change in neurovascular coupling (carotid and cognitive perfusion during a mental challenge) at 6 and 12 weeks | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. |