The Metabolic Response to Reduced Branched-chain Amino Acids in Humans



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:Obesity Weight Loss, Endocrine
Therapuetic Areas:Endocrinology
Healthy:No
Age Range:35 - 65
Updated:2/7/2019
Start Date:July 28, 2017
End Date:July 5, 2019
Contact:Dudley W Lamming, PhD
Email:dlamming@medicine.wisc.edu
Phone:608-256-1901

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Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential nutrients that the body obtains from
proteins found in food, especially meat, diary products, and legumes. Data from rodent
studies suggest that reduction of dietary BCAAs will promote fat mass loss and improved
control of blood glucose. The purpose of this study is to test if reduction of dietary BCAAs
without reducing calorie intake will lead to similar metabolic benefits in humans. Here the
investigators test the feasibility of reducing dietary BCAAs using BCAA-free meal replacement
beverages for two months.

This study, which will be completed over three months, involves replacing two meals a day
with meal replacement beverages for two months, with a one month follow-up visit. These
beverages will be made up by subjects using either a complete protein powder or BCAD2, a
BCAA-free medical food. Subjects will complete food diaries at baseline and at one month
intervals during the study, and compliance will be assessed via food diaries, weekly
telephone contact, and measuring returned food powder.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male between the age of 35 - 65

2. BMI between 28 - 35 (mildly obese/overweight)

3. Fasting glucose level of 101 - 125 mg/dL

4. Able and willing to give written informed consent

5. Stable weight (within 5 lbs. for at least 3 months)

6. Not taking (or willing to cease taking) over the counter vitamin/mineral supplements

7. Not planning to begin an exercise or diet program

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Female

2. Outside required age range of 35 - 65

3. BMI not within range of 28 - 35

4. Fasting glucose not within range of 101 - 125 mg/dL

5. Use of prescription medications for diabetes or weight-loss

6. Use of and unwillingness to discontinue over the counter supplements (e.g. cinnamon,
chromium, protein powders) or weight loss beverage or meal plans (e.g. SlimFast or
Jenny Craig).

7. Low baseline albumin or pre-albumin levels (below normal reference range)

8. Significant anemia (Hemoglobin < 11 g/dL)

9. Known bleeding disorder or platelet dysfunction

10. Already eating a low protein diet (less than 14% total caloric intake from protein),
as calculated from food diaries provided by subjects

11. Participating in intensive exercise training program (high to moderate intensity
exercise greater than 210 minutes per week) or planning to start new exercise program
during study period.

12. Significant co-morbidities (including kidney disease, liver disease, GI disease,
cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, malnutrition, substance abuse,
psychiatric disease, or a diagnosed eating disorder).

13. Planned smoking cessation or attempt at smoking cessation during study period

14. Inability to tolerate meal replacement beverages due to palatability

15. Recent weight loss (> 5 lbs within 3 months).

16. Bariatric surgery, gastric banding or liposuction

17. Current or past (within 1 year) use of illicit drugs

18. Claustrophobia
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