Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Threonine is an essential amino acid and must be obtained from the diet. The body's capacity to maintain adequate mucin synthesis is directly related to the bioavailability of certain amino acids, including threonine, serine and proline (1). Moreover, the rate of mucin synthesis has been demonstrated to be directly related to the availability of dietary threonine in healthy rats (2) and piglets (3,4). Intestinal inflammation is known to increase gastrointestinal threonine uptake and mucin synthesis in enterally fed minipigs (5). Additionally, in animals, mucin function/barrier has been shown to decline with age, leaving them more susceptible to bacterial penetration. Thus, with advancing age (6), a higher dietary supply of threonine may be needed for maintaining intestinal mucosal health. Despite this, the current threonine requirement is based on studies conducted exclusively in young adults. Thus, there is a need to determine the threonine requirement directly in older adults.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you do not take medications known to affect protein or amino acid metabolism, like steroids. If you're on such medications, you may need to stop them to participate.
What data supports the idea that Threonine for Aging is an effective treatment?
The available research does not provide direct evidence that Threonine is an effective treatment for aging. However, it highlights the importance of protein intake in the elderly. Studies show that higher protein consumption can help maintain muscle mass and strength, which are crucial for healthy aging. For example, one study suggests that elderly adults need more protein to achieve the same muscle health benefits as younger people. Another study indicates that low protein intake in older adults is linked to higher mortality risk, suggesting that adequate protein, including amino acids like Threonine, may be beneficial. While Threonine itself isn't specifically highlighted, the general emphasis on protein supports its potential role in aging.12345
What safety data exists for Threonine treatment?
The provided research does not specifically mention Threonine or its safety data. However, it highlights general concerns about adverse drug events (ADEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in older adults, emphasizing the importance of drug safety surveillance, especially in elderly populations. The studies discuss the challenges in detecting ADEs and ADRs, particularly in older adults, and the need for careful benefit-risk assessment and monitoring in this demographic. For specific safety data on Threonine, further targeted research or clinical trial data would be necessary.678910
Research Team
Glenda Courtney-Martin, PhD
Principal Investigator
The Hospital for Sick Children
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for healthy individuals aged 60 to 90 with a BMI under 30, not suffering from chronic diseases or acute illnesses that affect protein metabolism. Participants must not be on medications affecting protein/amino acid metabolism, have no significant recent weight loss or high caffeine/alcohol intake, and must be willing to undergo blood draws.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Threonine (Amino Acid)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The Hospital for Sick Children
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Ronald D. Cohn
The Hospital for Sick Children
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
MD from University of Düsseldorf, Germany
Dr. Lennox Huang
The Hospital for Sick Children
Chief Medical Officer since 2016
MD from McGill University
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
Dr. Paul C. Hébert
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Chief Executive Officer
MD, University of Ottawa
Dr. Paul C. Hébert
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Chief Medical Officer
MD, University of Ottawa