Effects of Dietary Supplements on Muscle Mass and Function While Using GLP-1 Medication

Part of paid clinical trials in Los Angeles, California.

Sponsor
University of California, Los Angeles
Study ID
NCT07806838
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Muscle Function
  • Muscle Mass and Strength
  • Obesity & Overweight

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Whey Protein Supplementation — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
    Participants will receive Nutrasumma 100% Whey Protein Isolate (unflavored), providing 20 g whey protein isolate per serving. The 20 g of protein from the shake will count toward the total daily protein goal of 1.2 g/kg lean body mass/day. The remaining protein target will be met through the participant's usual diet.
  • Maltodextrin Placebo Capsules — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
    Participants will consume placebo capsules containing 4 g of maltodextrin daily for 6 months.
  • Mixed Spice Capsules — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
    Participants will consume 4 g of mixed spice capsules daily for 6 months. The daily mixture contains 1.0 g turmeric, 1.5 g cinnamon, 0.5 g oregano, 0.5 g black pepper, 0.3 g sage, and 0.2 g thyme.

Study Details

This pilot study will examine whether daily protein supplementation with or without a mixture of culinary spices can help preserve muscle mass and function in adults who are using GLP-1 medications for weight management. The study will include 75 adults who recently started a GLP-1 medication and are experiencing weight loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard of care, protein supplementation plus placebo capsules, or protein supplementation plus mixed spice capsules. The study will last 6 months. Researchers will compare changes in muscle mass and muscle function among the groups. Muscle mass will be measured using DEXA and D3-creatine enrichment. Muscle function will be assessed using walking, stair-climbing, and grip-strength tests. The study will also evaluate metabolic and inflammatory markers, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, and other measures related to muscle health.

Key Dates

First listed
Sep 8, 2026
Start date
Sep 10, 2026
Status verified
Sep 2026
Primary completion
Sep 1, 2028
Completion
Sep 1, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
75 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION

Arms

  • No Intervention: Arm 1 - Standard of Care
    Participants will continue their prescribed GLP-1 medication and routine clinical management under the direction of their treating healthcare provider. The study will not determine GLP-1 medication selection, dosing, dose adjustments, or clinical management. Participants will receive standardized dietary/calorie and physical activity guidance and will complete the same study assessments and follow-up visits as participants in the intervention groups. They will not receive the study protein supplement, spice capsules, or placebo capsules.
  • Placebo Comparator: Protein Supplementation + Placebo
    Participants will receive protein supplementation with a goal of total protein intake of 1.2 g/kg lean body mass per day, based on baseline lean body mass measured by DEXA, plus placebo capsules containing 4 g of maltodextrin daily for 6 months. Participants will also receive standardized dietary/calorie and physical activity guidance.
  • Experimental: Protein Supplementation + Mixed Spices
    Participants will receive protein supplementation with a goal of total protein intake of 1.2 g/kg lean body mass per day, based on baseline lean body mass measured by DEXA, plus 4 g of mixed spice capsules daily for 6 months. The daily spice mixture contains 1.0 g turmeric, 1.5 g cinnamon, 0.5 g oregano, 0.5 g black pepper, 0.3 g sage, and 0.2 g thyme. Participants will also receive standardized dietary/calorie and physical activity guidance.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Muscle Mass Measured by DEXA [ Time Frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
UCLA Center for Human NutritionLos AngelesCalifornia90024
Hila Zelicha
[email protected]
310-206-8292

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By research site
UCLA Center for Human Nutrition· Los Angeles, CA

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