Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Plant-based Diet in Older People: What Consequences for Muscle Health?

France60 participantsStarted 2026-07-20

Plain-language summary

This randomized, controlled, two-arm clinical study aims to determine how increasing the proportion of plant-based foods in the diet affects skeletal muscle strength, mass and function, protein metabolism, microbiota and key metabolic markers in healthy older men and women. We hypothesize that diets enriched with animal-based foods will maintain maximal quadriceps strength-the primary outcome of the study-more effectively after the 3-month nutritional intervention than plant-based diets. Proteomic analyses will be performed to identify molecular mechanisms and potential muscle biomarkers reflecting metabolic adaptations of skeletal muscle to plant-enriched diets. In addition, metabolic health markers and micronutrient status will be evaluated to better understand the overall health effects of dietary plant-based transition in older adults.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 65 years and older * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m² (exclusive) * Physical activity \< 3000 MET-min/week, assessed using the ONAPS-PAQ questionnaire * Laboratory tests compatible with participation in the study * Adequate venous status, as assessed by study nurses, allowing catheter placement * Willingness to participate in study procedures, including indirect calorimetry, functional tests, and assigned dietary intervention (plant-enriched or standard diet) * Affiliation with the French Social Security system Exclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 65 years and older * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m² (exclusive) * Physical activity \< 3000 MET-min/week, assessed using the ONAPS-PAQ questionnaire * Laboratory tests compatible with participation in the study * Adequate venous status, as assessed by study nurses, allowing catheter placement * Willingness to participate in study procedures, including indirect calorimetry, functional tests, and assigned dietary intervention (plant-enriched or standard diet) * Affiliation with the French Social Security system * Exclusion period from a previous study or total compensation exceeding €6,000 in the 12 months prior to study initiation (verified through the National Research Volunteer Database) * Patients under legal guardianship, curatorship, deprived of liberty, or under judicial protection * Claustrophobia

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Maximal Quadriceps Strength

Timeframe: Baseline and Month 3

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07681986

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2029-08

Contact for this trial

Lise LACLAUTRE

+33475754963 promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aging trials