Protein Distribution and Leucine Supplementation Effects on Body Composition and Performance in Tactical Athletes

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Muscle Damage

In brief

This randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of within-day protein distribution and leucine supplementation on body composition, physical performance, and biomarkers of muscle damage in tactical athletes during an 8-week intensive training program. Sixty-nine healthy male participants (18-35 years) enrolled in a Ministry of Defense training course will be randomly assigned to one of three iso-caloric dietary groups providing 1.6 g/kg/day of protein: (1) evenly distributed protein across three meals (EVEN), (2) a 16-hour daily protein fasting pattern with protein concentrated at lunch and dinner (FAST), or (3) the same fasting pattern with 5 g leucine supplementation at breakfast (FAST-RESCUE). Primary outcomes include changes in lean body mass. Secondary outcomes include strength, anaerobic performance, and biochemical markers of muscle damage, including urinary titin N-terminal fragment (UTF). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, Week 5, and Week 8.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07438158

Run by

Tel Aviv University

People needed

69

Starts

2026-03-01

Expected to finish

2028-12-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-02

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 35. Sex: male. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Male participants aged 18-35 years
• Enrolled in an active Ministry of Defense tactical training program
• Physically active and medically cleared to participate in intensive training
• Willing and able to comply with the dietary intervention and training protocol
• Provide written informed consent prior to participation

You may not qualify if…

• Musculoskeletal or neuromuscular injury or impairment limiting participation in exercise training
• Cardiopulmonary disease (including recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina)
• History of cancer, diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension, or chronic renal failure
• Cognitive impairment affecting ability to provide informed consent
• Use of medications that may affect metabolism, muscle physiology, or exercise performance
• Known allergy or intolerance to study dietary components or leucine supplementation
• Non-compliance with study protocol requirements

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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