The Tryptophan Requirement in Healthy Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Tryptophan: There are 7 different tryptophan test levels ranging from 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 mg.kg-1.day.1

Study summary

The aging population is growing rapidly. For the first time ever, Canadian seniors outnumbered young adults in 2016. Aging is associated with many physical and metabolic deteriorations including the loss of muscle mass and strength, insulin resistance, increased inflammation and oxidative stress.

The muscles of our bodies are composed of proteins and proteins are made of small building blocks called amino acids. Our bodies have the ability to make some amino acids which are called the non-essential amino acids. However, there are certain amino acids that our body's need to make protein but can only be supplied from the foods that we consume. These are called essential amino acids. Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids that the body needs. Tryptophan is required for protein synthesis and acts as a precursor for serotonin and nicotinic acid. Therefore, there may be a need for more threonine in the diet of older adults. However, the current requirement for threonine is based on studies conducted exclusively in young adults. Thus, the purpose of this study is to find out how much tryptophan older adults need.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Determination of tryptophan requirement in adults >60 years of age. — up to 24 months
  To measure the tryptophan requirement investigators will collect breath samples from participants. From these samples, investigators will measure the amount of amino acids oxidized and how much is retained in the body when graded intakes of tryptophan are consumed by the participants consuming a controlled diet.

Trial sites (1)

More The Hospital for Sick Children trials in Canada

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