Amino acids to address muscle loss in advanced chronic kidney disease

Trial details

Who runs it

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Trial code

NCT07437053

Record updated

2 November 2026

Original description

Sarcopenia, or loss of muscle and strength is common in patients with poor kidney function. Although a high protein diet is generally recommended for sarcopenia, patients with poor kidney function are advised to follow a low-protein diet. In this study, we will evaluate the practicality and potential benefits of two different amino acids (molecules that form proteins) in improving sarcopenia in patients with advanced kidney disease.Read full original descriptionShow less

Branched-chain Amino Acids to Improve Sarcopenia in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (BOOST-CKD)

Sarcopenia, or loss of muscle and strength is common in patients with poor kidney function. Although a high protein diet is generally recommended for sarcopenia, patients with poor kidney function are advised to follow a low-protein diet. In this study, we will evaluate the practicality and potential benefits of two different amino acids (molecules that form proteins) in improving sarcopenia in patients with advanced kidney disease.

The study aims to improve muscle mass and strength. All study procedures are free of cost and do not require significant time commitment. You will have time to ask questions and discuss the study with your family, primary care physician, and your kidney doctor to make the decision if this is right study for you to participate in.

Inclusion: Ability of participant to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document; Males and females of age 45-75 yrs; Hand grip strength of <26 kg for male and <16 kg for female; Documented diagnosis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≤15 mL/min/1.73 m2, based on CKD-EPI serum-creatinine based formula in the past ≥3 months in absence of acute kidney injury; Not on dialysis and is not expected to initiate dialysis or any kidney replacement therapy in next 4 months; Receiving standard of care including dietary recommendation for diabetes, hypertension, CKD, and other comorbidities; Patients who are on an SGLT2-i or GLP-1 agonist should be on a stable dose for at least 3 months prior randomization, with no dose adjustments expected in the next 4 months; Serum HCO3 concentration 20-29 mmol/L based on two consecutive recent routine labs; HbA1c 7-9% based on most recent routine lab; Serum albumin ≥3.8 g/dL based on most recent routine lab; Blood hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL based on most recent routine lab; Willingness to adhere to lifestyle management, including diet and exercise as recommended by care providers, and to the study intervention, procedures, and regimen.

Exclusion: Any condition that may indicate the individual is not "metabolically stable" which may include active infection, currently on systemic antibiotic, hospitalization within 2 weeks on consenting, active malignancy, on immunosuppressive agents, and unexplained significant weight loss during the past 3 months; Currently taking any protein supplements; Scheduled for kidney transplantation or dialysis in next 4 months; Documented noncompliance with regard to clinic visits, medications, and lifestyle management; Any known history of hypersensitivity/intolerance to valine or specific amino acids; With a cardiac pacemaker and/or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; Significant comorbidities including heart failure (NY Class III or IV), neurological disorders, HIV AIDS, etiology of CKD other than diabetes and hypertension, or any condition that could compromise the subject's ability to study procedures as judged by study clinician; History of Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD); Documentation of current or history of substance abuse; Significant arthritis prohibiting strength test and walk gait speed test; Pregnant, lactating, childbearing women; Current participation in another interventional trial.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07437053