CompletedNot Applicable

Effect of Plant vs Animal Protein Supplementation on Body Composition in Youth Soccer Players

Italy25 participantsStarted 2026-01-17

Plain-language summary

This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effects of plant-based protein (soy and rice blend) versus animal-based protein (whey) supplementation on body composition parameters in elite male youth soccer players. Twenty-five players (ages 16-18.7 years) from Udinese Calcio's Primavera (U-19) category are randomized into three groups: Plant Protein Group (n=8), Animal Protein Group (n=9), and Placebo Group (n=8). The intervention consists of post-training protein supplementation (17g protein/dose) administered within 15-30 minutes after each training session over a 4-week microcycle during the competitive season. Body composition is assessed using a multi-compartmental model including anthropometry (ISAK protocol), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Who can participate

Age range16 Years – 19 Years

SexMALE

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Inclusion Criteria: * Active contract with Udinese Calcio's Primavera (U-19) category during the 2025-2026 season * Regular participation in the team's technical-tactical and strength training program (minimum 4 sessions per week) * Signed informed consent (parental consent for participants under 18 years) * Commitment to adhere to measurement protocol requiring 8-hour fast and assessment at 07:00h * Commitment to adhere to post-training supplementation protocol with administration at 17:00h * Confirmed presence and availability for both baseline assessment (Week 0) and final assessment (Week 4) Exclusion Criteria: * Open injury records or currently in functional readaptation phase at study initiation * Consumption of ergogenic or nutritional supplementation independently and external to the club-supervised protocol during the 4 weeks prior to study or during the study period * Previous diagnosis or current symptomatology compatible with eating disorders * Known allergies or intolerances to soy, rice, dairy-based proteins, or vanilla flavoring * Current use of medications that may affect body composition or protein metabolism (anabolic steroids, growth hormone, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones) * Diagnosed chronic diseases that may affect protein metabolism or body composition (diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, malabsorption syndromes)

What they're measuring

Change in Fat-Free Mass (Lean Body Mass)

Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0) and Final Assessment (Week 4)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07571720

SponsorAntonio Molina Lopez

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-18