Middle-aged Aucklanders sought for Muscle Aging Study
University of Auckland’s Human Nutrition Unit and Liggins Institute is looking for middle-aged men to participate in a
study looking at the potential positive effects of dairy products on muscle health.
The study needs 48 male participants aged between 45-60, lean or overweight, sedentary or active and in good health.
During the study, participants will need to have several different types of body scans, including a DeXa scan which
measures muscle, bone and fat content compared to the normal population. In addition, a muscle CT scan and ultrasound
scan will be performed which can detect fat infiltration into muscle. Participants will also complete a muscle function
test normally done by professional athletes to assess muscle strength. During the final part of the study, an IV
infusion of metabolic tracer will be administrated to participants for several hours. Participants will be given one of
four different dairy products to consume. Then muscle and blood samples will be taken afterwards to detect positive
changes in blood amino acid levels and muscle metabolism.
Participants will need to visit the study team on several occasions at the Liggins Institute in Grafton, the Human
Nutrition Unit in Mount Eden and the Millenium Institute in Mairangi Bay to complete the study. A small gratuity will be
offered for the time taken to participate in the study and to cover the travel costs and all participants will receive a
copy of their results on request following the completion of the research.
This study was designed by research staff at the Human Nutrition Unit and the Liggins Institute.
All information that participants provide will remain strictly confidential and no material that could personally
identify any participant will be used in any reports on this research.
To find out more information visit www.hnu.auckland.ac.nz/muscleaging or email the research team at
muscleaging@gmail.com
ENDS