The researchers overall objective is to determine whether plant and animal protein based proteins affect the anabolic responses across aging populations differently due to specific changes in the essential amino acids (EAA) and non-essential amino acids (NEAA) kinetic responses. The researchers central hypothesis is that a high EAA to NEAA ratio in a protein meal is related to higher anabolic response to the meal. The researchers also hypothesize that the type of NEAA in a protein meal also affects the anabolic capacity of the meal. The researchers rationale is that finding the amino acid composition of a meal that will maximally induce protein anabolism will guide novel nutritional approaches to prevent and treat sarcopenia, thereby reducing both overall economic burden and improving individual patient outcomes.
Age 50-95 years old
Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); COPD group only
Stable body-weight (±5%) for the past 3 months
Ability to walk, sit down, and stand up (independently or with walking assistance device)
Established diagnosis and active treatment of chronic disease: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, active malignancy, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, Asthma (moderate to severe), Hep (A,B, or C)
History of untreated metabolic disease including hepatic or renal disorder
Presence of acute illness or metabolically unstable chronic illness
Hysterectomy
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Treatment groupsSee each treatment group below.