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Athlete Whey Protein Sensitivity: Prevalence and Performance

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Food Intolerance
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein Concentrate
Dietary Supplement: Pea Protein Isolate, Rice Protein Concentrate, Hemp Protein
Registration Number
NCT05482997
Lead Sponsor
University of the Incarnate Word
Brief Summary

The objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of whey protein sensitivity in UIW athletes and to assess the effectiveness of 4-weeks of whey versus plant-based protein supplementation on athletic performance and recovery, specifically in those with whey sensitivity.

Detailed Description

Dependent t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) will offer comparative analyses between whey and plant protein conditions in subjects with and without whey sensitivity. Symptom questionnaires, perceived performance questionnaires, wearable fitness tracking data, and strength test results will be compared across all four conditions (baseline, washout, whey supplementation, and plant supplementation).

Related variables will be analyzed using GLM univariate, multivariate, and repeated measures. The overall multivariate Wilks' Lambda and Greenhouse-Geisser univariate p-levels will be reported. Differences among groups will be determined using Tukey's least significant differences (LSD) post hoc analyses.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
36
Inclusion Criteria
  • NCAA Division I collegiate athletes at the University of the Incarnate Word
  • Must complete a medical history form
  • Must be cleared by sports medicine staff for intercollegiate athletic participation
Exclusion Criteria
  • Individuals with a diagnosed food allergy, lactose intolerance, or inflammatory bowel disease (such as Chron's, Ulcerative Colitis, or Celiac Sprue)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Whey Protein, Then Plant-based ProteinPea Protein Isolate, Rice Protein Concentrate, Hemp ProteinPerformance tests/assessments will be conducted as baseline testing without whey protein, followed by four weeks of whey protein intervention consisting of one 70cc (32g) scoop of supplement provided within an hour after athletic practice, five days a week. For athletes with more than one practice a day, the supplement will be provided after the strength training session. The powder will be shaken with 8-12oz water. Performance measured at the end of 4 weeks. After a two-week washout period, they will undergo another performance evaluation and begin the same protein supplement regimen, but with a 70cc (32g) scoop of the plant-based protein supplement.
Plant-based Protein, Then Whey ProteinPea Protein Isolate, Rice Protein Concentrate, Hemp ProteinPerformance tests/assessments will be conducted as baseline testing without plant-based protein, followed by four weeks of plant-based protein intervention consisting of one 70cc (32g) scoop of supplement provided within an hour after athletic practice, five days a week, for four weeks. For athletes with more than one practice a day, the supplement will be provided after the strength training session. The powder will be shaken with 8-12oz water. Performance measured at the end of 4 weeks. After a two-week washout period, they will undergo another performance evaluation and begin the same protein supplement regimen, but with a 70cc (32g) scoop of the whey protein supplement.
Whey Protein, Then Plant-based ProteinWhey Protein ConcentratePerformance tests/assessments will be conducted as baseline testing without whey protein, followed by four weeks of whey protein intervention consisting of one 70cc (32g) scoop of supplement provided within an hour after athletic practice, five days a week. For athletes with more than one practice a day, the supplement will be provided after the strength training session. The powder will be shaken with 8-12oz water. Performance measured at the end of 4 weeks. After a two-week washout period, they will undergo another performance evaluation and begin the same protein supplement regimen, but with a 70cc (32g) scoop of the plant-based protein supplement.
Plant-based Protein, Then Whey ProteinWhey Protein ConcentratePerformance tests/assessments will be conducted as baseline testing without plant-based protein, followed by four weeks of plant-based protein intervention consisting of one 70cc (32g) scoop of supplement provided within an hour after athletic practice, five days a week, for four weeks. For athletes with more than one practice a day, the supplement will be provided after the strength training session. The powder will be shaken with 8-12oz water. Performance measured at the end of 4 weeks. After a two-week washout period, they will undergo another performance evaluation and begin the same protein supplement regimen, but with a 70cc (32g) scoop of the whey protein supplement.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from Baseline Performance Questionnaire at 4 weeksBaseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks

subject assesses food sensitivity symptoms, perceived recovery after athletic event, and satisfaction with athletic performance.

Change from Baseline Vertical Jump Test at 4 weeksBaseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks

The vertical jump measures explosive leg power and is an effective indirect measurement of athletic performance. The participant will utilize the Just Jump Mat to electronically assess vertical height.

Change from Baseline InBody Body Composition Test at 4 weeksBaseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks

Body composition assessed by subjects standing on bioelectrical impedance analysis scale that measures total body water, lean body mass, dy lean mass, body fat mass, and weight.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of Participants with Declining MeasuresBaseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks

The number of subjects whose self assessment, body composition, and vertical jump depreciate.

Number of Athletes with Whey SensitivityBaseline

Whey sensitivity assessed with IgG food sensitivity test, where small blood sample is collected from subject and IgG antibody level measured when introduced to whey.

Number of Participants with Increasing MeasuresBaseline, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks

The number of subjects whose self assessment, body composition, and vertical jump improve.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The University of the Incarnate Word

🇺🇸

San Antonio, Texas, United States

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