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Substrate Utilization, Exercise Performance, and Skeletal Muscle Response to Energy Deficit and Altitude Acclimatization

Primary Purpose

Weight Loss, Other Effects of High Altitude

Status
Completed
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Standard pro
High pro
carbo bev
placebo bev
Sponsored by
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional prevention trial for Weight Loss

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 42 Years (Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Born at altitudes less than 2,100 m (~7,000 feet)
  • Physically active based on assessment of physical activity history (2-4 days per week aerobic and/or resistance exercise)
  • Body weight ≥ 110 lbs.
  • Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-29.9 kg/m2
  • Females must be on contraception (e.g., oral birth control, NuvaRing®, Depo Provera®, etc.)
  • Have supervisor approval (permanent party military)
  • Not taking any medications and/or willing to refrain from all medication use 4 wk prior to and throughout the entire study period, unless provided/approved by the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Office of Medical Support and Oversight (OMSO) or medical oversight at Pikes Peak, Colorado organized through OMSO.
  • Willing to refrain from alcohol, smoking any nicotine product (includes e-cigarettes), electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, caffeine, and dietary supplement use throughout the entire study period
  • Willing to travel to USARIEM's Altitude Laboratory at Pikes Peak and live there for 22 consecutive days
  • Refrain from taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g. aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®, or any aspirin-containing product) for 10 days before and at least 5 days AFTER each muscle biopsy. (*Tylenol® or acetaminophen is ok to use if needed for discomfort)

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Born at altitudes greater than 2,100 m (~7,000 feet)
  • Living in areas that are more than 1,200 m (~4,000 feet), or have traveled to areas that are more than 1,200 m for five days or more within the last 2 mo
  • Musculoskeletal injuries that compromise exercise capability
  • Metabolic or cardiovascular abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.)
  • Disease or medication that affects macronutrient metabolism and/or the ability to participate in strenuous exercise
  • Evidence of apnea or other sleeping disorders
  • Evidence of prior high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema diagnosis
  • Allergies or intolerance to foods (including but not limited to lactose intolerance/milk allergy), vegetarian practices, or medications (including, but not limited to, lidocaine or phenylalanine) to be utilized in the study
  • History of complications with lidocaine
  • Taking medications that interfere with oxygen delivery and transport (Includes sedatives, sleeping aids, tranquilizers and/or any medication that depresses ventilation, diuretics, alpha and beta blockers)
  • Evidence of any physical, mental, and/or medical conditions that would make the proposed studies relatively more hazardous as determined by OMSO
  • Present condition of alcoholism, anabolic steroids, or other substance abuse issues
  • Anemia (hematocrit <38% for males, <36% for females, and hemoglobin >12.5 g/dL for all subjects) or Sickle Cell Anemia/Trait
  • Abnormal prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time (PT/PTT) test or problems with blood clotting
  • Blood donation within 8 weeks of beginning the study
  • Pregnancy and women not on contraceptives
  • Any use of antibiotics, except topical antibiotics, within 3 months of study participation.
  • Colonoscopy within 3 months of study participation
  • Use of laxatives, stool softeners, or anti-diarrheal medications at least once a week.

Sites / Locations

  • US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm 4

Arm Type

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Arm Label

High pro, carbo bev

Standard pro, carbo bev

High pro, placebo bev

Standard pro, placebo bev

Arm Description

Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 2.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a beverage containing 80 g glucose + 65 g fructose consumed at a rate providing ~1.8 g carbohydrate/min.

Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 1.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a beverage containing 80 g glucose + 65 g fructose consumed at a rate providing ~1.8 g carbohydrate/min.

Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 2.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a volume and flavor-matched, non-nutritive placebo beverage.

Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 1.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a volume and flavor-matched, non-nutritive placebo beverage.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in lean body mass

Secondary Outcome Measures

Full Information

First Posted
March 29, 2016
Last Updated
October 31, 2017
Sponsor
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
Collaborators
Eastern Michigan University
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT02731066
Brief Title
Substrate Utilization, Exercise Performance, and Skeletal Muscle Response to Energy Deficit and Altitude Acclimatization
Official Title
Substrate Utilization, Exercise Performance, and Skeletal Muscle Response to Energy Deficit and Altitude Acclimatization
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
October 2017
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
March 2016 (undefined)
Primary Completion Date
September 2016 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
September 2016 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
Collaborators
Eastern Michigan University

4. Oversight

Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
This research will evaluate nutrition requirements for missions at high altitude (i.e. >7800 feet above sea level) and the information obtained can be used to optimize nutrient content specifications for combat rations. The objectives are: Determine whether loss of lean body mass resulting from negative calorie balance over a 22-d period at high altitude can be prevented by increasing dietary protein intake. Determine the efficacy of carbohydrate (glucose and fructose) supplementation on aerobic exercise performance at sea level, acute exposure to high altitude, and in response to 22-d period of negative calorie balance at high altitude. Determine cognitive function, sleep patterns, and behavioral responses to high altitude and underfeeding. Determine appetite and eating behavior in response to high altitude and sustained underfeeding. Examine the effects of high altitude, negative calorie balance, dietary intake manipulations on gut health.
Detailed Description
Twenty-four, normal to overweight (body mass index of 18.5-29.9 kg/m2), physically active adult civilians or active duty military personnel will be recruited for the 44-d protocol, 22-d at sea level and 22-d at high altitude (HA). During the 22-d sea level phase, volunteers will receive dietary counseling to maintain baseline weight and consume protein at levels consistent with recommendations for periods of low physical activity (1.0 g/kg/d). During the 22-d at HA, all meals and beverages (water ad libitum) will be prepared and provided to volunteers by research staff. Physical activity will be increased at HA and calorie intake will be reduced 40% to create a state of negative calorie balance. Changes in total body, lean body, and fat mass will be assessed at sea level and after a 22-d energy deficit at HA. Regulation of muscle mass will be assessed using stable isotope methodology, muscle biopsies, and various molecular techniques, to directly measure muscle protein synthesis, whole body protein balance, and the cellular mechanisms that regulate these processes. Furthermore, exercise testing, substrate oxidation rates, and expired carbon dioxide labeled with the stable isotope of carbon dioxide (one extra neutron) will be used to assess total, exogenous, and endogenous carbohydrate oxidation and performance capacity. A comprehensive cognitive/behavioral test battery will be performed at sea level and HA. Sleep will be assessed by actigraphy. Eating behavior and appetite will be assessed at sea level, acute HA, and after the 22-d energy deficit at HA using validated measures. Gut health will be assessed using sugar absorption tests and the bacterial composition of the gut will be characterized using advanced molecular techniques.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Weight Loss, Other Effects of High Altitude

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Prevention
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
Participant
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
21 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
High pro, carbo bev
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 2.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a beverage containing 80 g glucose + 65 g fructose consumed at a rate providing ~1.8 g carbohydrate/min.
Arm Title
Standard pro, carbo bev
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 1.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a beverage containing 80 g glucose + 65 g fructose consumed at a rate providing ~1.8 g carbohydrate/min.
Arm Title
High pro, placebo bev
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 2.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a volume and flavor-matched, non-nutritive placebo beverage.
Arm Title
Standard pro, placebo bev
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 1.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d within a 40% energy deficit diet. During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a volume and flavor-matched, non-nutritive placebo beverage.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
Standard pro
Intervention Description
Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 1.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
High pro
Intervention Description
Volunteers will receive dietary protein at 2.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/d.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
carbo bev
Intervention Description
During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a beverage containing 80 g glucose + 65 g fructose consumed at a rate providing ~1.8 g carbohydrate/min.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
placebo bev
Intervention Description
During aerobic performance testing, volunteers will receive a volume and flavor-matched, non-nutritive placebo beverage.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in lean body mass
Time Frame
baseline (sea level day 0), prior to altitude exposure (sea level day 20), after ~3 wk energy deficit diet at high altitude (high altitude day 19)

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
42 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Born at altitudes less than 2,100 m (~7,000 feet) Physically active based on assessment of physical activity history (2-4 days per week aerobic and/or resistance exercise) Body weight ≥ 110 lbs. Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-29.9 kg/m2 Females must be on contraception (e.g., oral birth control, NuvaRing®, Depo Provera®, etc.) Have supervisor approval (permanent party military) Not taking any medications and/or willing to refrain from all medication use 4 wk prior to and throughout the entire study period, unless provided/approved by the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Office of Medical Support and Oversight (OMSO) or medical oversight at Pikes Peak, Colorado organized through OMSO. Willing to refrain from alcohol, smoking any nicotine product (includes e-cigarettes), electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, caffeine, and dietary supplement use throughout the entire study period Willing to travel to USARIEM's Altitude Laboratory at Pikes Peak and live there for 22 consecutive days Refrain from taking any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g. aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Naprosyn®, or any aspirin-containing product) for 10 days before and at least 5 days AFTER each muscle biopsy. (*Tylenol® or acetaminophen is ok to use if needed for discomfort) Exclusion Criteria: Born at altitudes greater than 2,100 m (~7,000 feet) Living in areas that are more than 1,200 m (~4,000 feet), or have traveled to areas that are more than 1,200 m for five days or more within the last 2 mo Musculoskeletal injuries that compromise exercise capability Metabolic or cardiovascular abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) Disease or medication that affects macronutrient metabolism and/or the ability to participate in strenuous exercise Evidence of apnea or other sleeping disorders Evidence of prior high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema diagnosis Allergies or intolerance to foods (including but not limited to lactose intolerance/milk allergy), vegetarian practices, or medications (including, but not limited to, lidocaine or phenylalanine) to be utilized in the study History of complications with lidocaine Taking medications that interfere with oxygen delivery and transport (Includes sedatives, sleeping aids, tranquilizers and/or any medication that depresses ventilation, diuretics, alpha and beta blockers) Evidence of any physical, mental, and/or medical conditions that would make the proposed studies relatively more hazardous as determined by OMSO Present condition of alcoholism, anabolic steroids, or other substance abuse issues Anemia (hematocrit <38% for males, <36% for females, and hemoglobin >12.5 g/dL for all subjects) or Sickle Cell Anemia/Trait Abnormal prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time (PT/PTT) test or problems with blood clotting Blood donation within 8 weeks of beginning the study Pregnancy and women not on contraceptives Any use of antibiotics, except topical antibiotics, within 3 months of study participation. Colonoscopy within 3 months of study participation Use of laxatives, stool softeners, or anti-diarrheal medications at least once a week.
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Stefan M Pasiakos, PhD
Organizational Affiliation
US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
City
Natick
State/Province
Massachusetts
ZIP/Postal Code
01760
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Undecided
Citations:
PubMed Identifier
29066613
Citation
Berryman CE, Young AJ, Karl JP, Kenefick RW, Margolis LM, Cole RE, Carbone JW, Lieberman HR, Kim IY, Ferrando AA, Pasiakos SM. Severe negative energy balance during 21 d at high altitude decreases fat-free mass regardless of dietary protein intake: a randomized controlled trial. FASEB J. 2018 Feb;32(2):894-905. doi: 10.1096/fj.201700915R. Epub 2018 Jan 3.
Results Reference
result
PubMed Identifier
32316799
Citation
Hennigar SR, Berryman CE, Kelley AM, Anderson BJ, Young AJ, McClung JP, Pasiakos SM. High-Altitude Acclimatization Suppresses Hepcidin Expression During Severe Energy Deficit. High Alt Med Biol. 2020 Sep;21(3):232-236. doi: 10.1089/ham.2019.0109. Epub 2020 Apr 21.
Results Reference
derived
PubMed Identifier
31918720
Citation
Bradbury KE, Berryman CE, Wilson MA, Luippold AJ, Kenefick RW, Young AJ, Pasiakos SM. Effects of carbohydrate supplementation on aerobic exercise performance during acute high altitude exposure and after 22 days of acclimatization and energy deficit. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Jan 9;17(1):4. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-0335-2.
Results Reference
derived

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Substrate Utilization, Exercise Performance, and Skeletal Muscle Response to Energy Deficit and Altitude Acclimatization

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