NCT07367854 · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Diet Synergy in Muscle Protein Synthesis
(POTATO)
What this study is about
In the present semi-crossover randomly assigned design, 15 recreationally active young adults (19-40 y) will receive stable isotope tracer infusions and perform a single bout of resistance exercise. Immediately after exercise, participants will ingest either 1 medium russet potato with skins and 2 ounce-equivalent lean ground beef combination (274 kcals, 19.
View original scientific description
In the present semi-crossover randomized design, 15 recreationally active young adults (19-40 y) will receive stable isotope tracer infusions and perform a single bout of resistance exercise. Immediately after exercise, participants will ingest either 1 medium russet potato with skins and 2 ounce-equivalent lean ground beef combination (274 kcals, 19.3 g protein, 5 g fat, 37 g carbohydrates, and 4 g fiber), 2 slices of white bread and beef combination (262 kcals, 19.8 g protein, 6.8 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 1.8 g fiber) or 2 ounce-equivalent beef (93% lean meat/7% fat; 110 kcals, 14.8 g protein, and 5 g fat). Repeated blood and muscle biopsies will be collected to determine whole body leucine kinetics, amino acid concentrations, anabolic signaling and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during the trials.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Resistance Exercise
Participants will perform leg press and leg extension immediately prior to ingestion of either potato-beef combination, bread-beef combination, or beef alone.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Potato and Beef
Participants will ingest baked russet potato and cooked ground beef immediately after resistance exercise.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Bread and Beef
Participants will ingest white bread and cooked ground beef immediately after resistance exercise.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Beef
Participants will ingest cooked ground beef immediately after resistance exercise.
Primary outcome measures
Myofibrillar protein fractional synthesis rate
Time frame: Baseline muscle biopsy (-150 minutes), Postabsorptive muscle biopsy (-30 minutes), and Postprandial muscle biopsy (300 minutes)
Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates will be assessed during the postabsorptive and postprandial periods of experimental primed-constant stable isotope infusions.
Whole body leucine kinetics
Time frame: Breath sample collection time points: -210, -150, -90, -60, -30, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, and 300 minutes.
Whole body leucine kinetics will be determined via breath sample collection during the postabsorptive and postprandial periods of experimental primed-constant stable isotope infusions and analyzed via LC/MS/MS.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 19-40 yrs
- Pre-menopausal
- Recreationally-active
- Weight stable for prior 6 months
Exclusion criteria
- Age outside of range (20 - 35 yrs)
- Irregular menstrual cycles (i.e., \~21 day or \~35 day cycle)
- Participation in previous research using L-\[1-13C\] leucine and L-\[ring-2H5\] phenylalanine
- Participation in other ongoing research that interferes with this study (e.g., conflicting diet, activity interventions, etc.)
Where
- Urbana, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations