Comparing High-Protein and Low-Protein Multi-Ingredient Supplements for Body Composition and Performance in Elite Rugby Players

NCT07569770 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IRB-2023-050
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this 12-week study is to compare the effects of two different post-exercise nutritional supplements on the body composition and exercise performance of elite male university rugby players. Athletes often consume very high amounts of protein to build muscle and recover, but excessive protein intake might pose potential health risks. Study Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesize that a multi-ingredient supplement with a lower total protein content (about 20 grams) will yield comparable or even superior improvements in body composition and physical performance compared to a standard high-dose whey protein supplement (40 grams). Study Design: Twenty elite male college rugby players will be randomly divided into two equal groups. One group will receive the high-dose whey protein, while the other group will receive the lower-dose multi-ingredient supplement (which includes protein, leucine, creatine, red amaranth, and elderberry). Participants will consume their assigned supplement immediately after their training sessions, four times a week for 12 weeks. Assessments: Before and after the 12-week intervention, the researchers will measure the participants' body composition (muscle and fat mass), maximum muscle strength, power, agility, and aerobic endurance. The overall goal is to determine if athletes can achieve optimal performance and muscle growth with a lower, more efficient protein intake strategy.

Conditions

Athletic Performance; Body Composition; Whey Protein; Protein

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Muscle Mass

  Muscle mass is assessed using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The change is evaluated by comparing the baseline values to the post-intervention values.

  Baseline and Week 12

Study Arms (2)

High Protein Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Dietary Supplement: Whey Protein Concentrate

Low Protein Multi-Ingredient Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Dietary Supplement: Multi-Ingredient Supplement

Interventions

Whey Protein Concentrate DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Participants consume 40 g of Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC-80), providing 166 kcal, 32 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrate, and 2 g of fat per serving. It is consumed immediately after training, four times per week for 12 weeks.

High Protein Group

Multi-Ingredient Supplement DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Participants consume a multi-ingredient supplement containing approximately 20 g of protein (whey protein fortified with additional leucine and glycine), 30 g of carbohydrates, creatine, red amaranth extract, and elderberry extract (169 kcal). It is consumed immediately after training, four times per week for 12 weeks.

Low Protein Multi-Ingredient Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 Years - 26 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Elite rugby athletes in the university team No consumption of performance-enhancing supplements (e.g., creatine, protein supplements, or anabolic-androgenic steroids) one month prior to the study No current medication or major musculoskeletal injuries

You may not qualify if:

• Vegetarianism Whey protein allergy Body weight fluctuation of more than 10 kg in the past three months

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Taipei: lead

Study Sites (1)

Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei

Taipei, 111036, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Whey

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Milk; Beverages; Diet, Food, and Nutrition; Physiological Phenomena; Dairy Products; Food; Food and Beverages

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 29, 2026
• First Posted: May 6, 2026
• Study Start: November 30, 2023
• Primary Completion: March 30, 2024
• Study Completion: July 30, 2024
• Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)