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Contact Information:

Mr William Searle
+44 (0)7714735525
ws215@kent.ac.uk


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - The effects of dairy-based protein supplementation on immunity following exercise
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The effects of dairy-based protein supplementation on immunity following exercise

Not Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

Canterbury

Medical Conditions

Maintenance or enhancement of immune function following exercise in healthy adults

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are among the most common illnesses in athletes. Whilst moderate amounts of exercise are accepted to enhance immune function and reduce URTI risk, strenuous prolonged exercise has been shown to increase the chances of picking up some types of infection among athletes. URTIs may affect performance both directly (if suffered during/near competition) or indirectly (impeding training). Therefore, methods to alleviate and lower this risk are of interest. Treatments such as elevated protein diets and milk-based products such as bovine colostrum have been shown to enhance immunity and reduce URTI incidence and/or severity in athletes. Therefore, the present study will investigate the effects of dairy-based protein supplementation on immune function and URTI symptoms/incidence in athletes following prolonged exercise.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

24 May 2023 01 May 2025

Participants will visit the laboratory on ten separate occasions: two visits for ‘preliminary measures’ (VO2max test), two familiarisation visits and six experimental trials. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, either placebo (PLA) supplementation or whey protein concentrate (WPC) supplementation. Supplements will be taken for 14 days before the experimental trials begin and continued throughout the duration of the experimental trials. For each participant, there will be a 14-day washout period before completing the second crossover arm with the other supplement. The preliminary measures visits will consist of a VO2max test. The familiarisation and experimental trials will consist of a 3-hour cycling bout at a moderate intensity. Blood samples will be taken from a vein near the elbow crease. These samples will be taken once at preliminary measures trials and multiple times (i.e. before and after exercise) on experimental trials 1, 3, 4 and 6. Saliva samples will be collected on both preliminary measures trials and all experimental trials. For those unable to commit to the entire 3-day repeated main trial protocol, an alternative protocol with only a single main trial per study arm will be offered.


Healthy volunteers over the age of 18 years who are free from any injury, illness or disease (cardiovascular, metabolic etc). Participants must also be free from any respiratory conditions, such as asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and must be deemed ‘healthy’ via a pre-screening health questionnaire, with no allergies or intolerances to dairy or soy. Participants must be experienced with long-duration cycling, being able to complete a 3-hour cycling bout on three consecutive days.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. Under 18 years old2. Current injuries, illnesses or diseases 3. Asthmatics4. Not deemed 'healthy' via a pre-screening health questionnaire5. Inexperienced with long-duration cycling6. Allergic or intolerant to dairy or soy


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • University of Kent
    Chipperfield Building Park Wood Road
    Canterbury
    CT2 7PE

Participants will receive information on their fitness levels (i.e. VO2max test), which is usually a service that athletes might pay for. They will be provided with reasonable expenses so that they are not left out of pocket by taking part.
The 3-hour cycling bout may cause some delayed onset of muscle soreness. Blood samples may cause minor pain and distress for some participants and there is a minor risk of infection. The likelihood of adverse reactions or side effects to the use of the product is low in those who are not allergic to any of the ingredients. All exercise and physical activity has a risk of cardiac emergency or injury; for those without underlying heart disease, the risks to health are extremely low. Pre-screening will be used to exclude anybody for whom risk may be elevated above normal. Persons trained in CPR and with access to a defibrillator device will be on hand during all testing.

Mr William Searle
+44 (0)7714735525
ws215@kent.ac.uk



The study is sponsored by University of Kent and funded by Volac International Ltd; University of Kent.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN56356024
Last updated 12 May 2025

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