Leucine Requirements in School-Age Children

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Leucine Intake: Participants consume 8 hourly meals that contain the assigned test leucine intake. Each meal will provide one-twelfth of the participants' daily energy requirements as estimated by 1.7 x Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and adequate protein at 1.5 g/kg/d, to maintain a metabolic steady state. The meals are in the form of a crystalline amino acid protein shake, and protein-free cookies.

Study summary

Leucine is an essential amino acid, which serves a special purpose of signaling cell growth in muscle in addition to making up protein. Essential amino acids like leucine need to be eaten every day from our foods like meat, dairy, eggs, beans, and nuts, as they cannot be made by our bodies. The current recommendation for leucine in the diet of school-age children are based upon adult needs. This study will measure the leucine requirement in children aged 6-10 years old using an non-invasive technique with special diets, safe stable isotopes, and simple breath collections. Creating guidelines based on measured requirements for leucine in this age group is essential for supporting optimal growth in healthy children.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Carbon-13 Oxidation — 8 hours (1 study day)
  9 breath samples will be collected during the study day, to measure the rate of oxidation of tracer phenylalanine in the expired breath.

Trial sites (1)

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