An interventional study of Chickpea Protein Hydrolysate Beverage and Maltodextrin Placebo Beverage in Post-Exercise Recovery, sponsored by Instituto de la Grasa. Completed at 1 site in Spain. Open to participants aged 16 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-14.
Sponsored by Instituto de la Grasa · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
This randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study evaluated the safety and potential beneficial effects of a beverage containing chickpea protein hydrolysate in football players. Participants received the chickpea protein hydrolysate beverage and a matched protein-containing placebo beverage during two four-week intervention periods separated by a two-week washout period. The study assessed biochemical safety parameters, antioxidant status, inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, muscle damage markers, dietary intake, and body composition.
The study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover nutritional intervention conducted in football players during the competitive season. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two intervention sequences, with allocation balanced according to playing position.
During the first four-week intervention period, one sequence received the experimental beverage containing chickpea protein hydrolysate, whereas the other sequence received a matched placebo beverage. This was followed by a two-week washout period. During the second four-week intervention period, the treatments were crossed over so that each participant received the alternative beverage. A further two-week washout period was included after the second intervention.
On training days, the experimental beverage was consumed 2-4 hours before training at a dose providing 0.2 g protein/kg body weight and approximately 30 minutes after training at a dose providing 0.3 g protein/kg body weight. The placebo beverage followed the same administration schedule and was designed to have a similar appearance and taste and the same protein content, but from a different protein source.
Blood sampling, dietary assessment, and anthropometric measurements were scheduled at baseline and during the intervention and washout periods. The study evaluated biochemical markers related to protein and hepatic metabolism, hematological parameters, glucose and insulin, antioxidant status, inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, muscle damage markers, adverse events, dietary intake, and body composition.
3,536 studies on the registry are indexed under Inflammation; 642 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 51 is close to the median of 50 across 2,577 interventional studies indexed under Inflammation.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Clinically significant
Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants received the chickpea protein hydrolysate beverage for four weeks, followed by a two-week washout period. They subsequently received the maltodextrin placebo beverage for four weeks, followed by a final two-week washout period.
Dietary Supplement: Chickpea Protein Hydrolysate Beverage
Participants received the maltodextrin placebo beverage for four weeks, followed by a two-week washout period. They subsequently received the chickpea protein hydrolysate beverage for four weeks, followed by a final two-week washout period.
Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin Placebo Beverage
A powdered beverage containing chickpea protein hydrolysate was reconstituted in water before consumption. On training days, participants consumed a dose providing 0.2 g protein/kg body weight 2-4 hours before training and 0.3 g protein/kg body weight approximately 30 minutes after training. The intervention was administered for four weeks during the corresponding study period.
A maltodextrin-containing placebo beverage designed to resemble the chickpea protein hydrolysate beverage in appearance and taste. The placebo was administered according to the same timing schedule as the experimental beverage for four weeks during the corresponding study period.
Number of Participants With Adverse Events During Each Intervention Period
The number of participants reporting one or more adverse events during consumption of the chickpea protein hydrolysate beverage or the maltodextrin placebo beverage was recorded. Adverse events included any unfavorable symptom or clinical event reported by a participant or identified by the research team during the intervention periods.
Time frame: During the first 4-week intervention period and the second 4-week intervention period, up to Week 10
Change in Circulating Interleukin-6 Concentration
Interleukin-6 concentration was measured using a commercial immunoassay.
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Circulating Interleukin-8 Concentration
Interleukin-8 concentration was measured using a commercial immunoassay.
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in C-Reactive Protein Concentration
CRP concentration was measured using a commercial immunoassay.
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Creatine Kinase Activity
Kinase activity was measured in fasting blood samples. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the value at the end of the 4-week phase minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value. Changes during the chickpea protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin placebo phases were compared within participants.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity
Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity was measured in fasting blood samples. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the value at the end of the 4-week phase minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value. Changes during the chickpea protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin placebo phases were compared within participants.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Myoglobin Concentration
Myoglobin Concentration was measured in fasting blood samples. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the value at the end of the 4-week phase minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value. Changes during the chickpea protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin placebo phases were compared within participants.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Antioxidant Activity
Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity, and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity was measured in fasting blood samples. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the value at the end of the 4-week phase minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value. Changes during the chickpea protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin placebo phases were compared within participants.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Glutathione Peroxidase Activity
Glutathione Peroxidase Activity was measured in fasting blood samples. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the value at the end of the 4-week phase minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value. Changes during the chickpea protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin placebo phases were compared within participants.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Glutathione Reductase Activity
Glutathione Reductase Activity was measured in fasting blood samples. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the value at the end of the 4-week phase minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value. Changes during the chickpea protein hydrolysate and maltodextrin placebo phases were compared within participants.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Serum Creatinine Concentration
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Alkaline Phosphatase Activity
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Aspartate Aminotransferase Activity
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Alanine Aminotransferase Activity
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Activity
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Red Blood Cell Count
Red Blood Cell Count was measured in fasting blood samples as part of the predefined biochemical and hematological safety assessment. For the crossover comparison, the change during each intervention phase was calculated as the end-of-phase value minus the corresponding phase-specific baseline value.
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Hemoglobin Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Hematocrit
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Mean Corpuscular Volume
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Red Cell Distribution Width
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Total Leukocyte Count
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Neutrophil Count
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Lymphocyte Count
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Monocyte Count
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Eosinophil Count
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Basophil Count
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Platelet Count
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Mean Platelet Volume
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Serum Urea Concentration
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Blood Urea Nitrogen Concentration
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Total Protein Concentration
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Total Bilirubin Concentration
Time frame: Baseline and Weeks 4, 6, 10, and 12; the primary crossover comparison used the phase-specific changes from Weeks 0 to 4 and Weeks 6 to 10.
Change in Fasting Glucose Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Fasting Insulin Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Total Cholesterol Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Triglyceride Concentration
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Body Mass
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Body Mass Index
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Body Fat Percentage
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of each 4-week intervention period, corresponding to Weeks 0, 4, 6, and 10.
Change in Daily Energy Intake
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of intervention period, corresponding to Week 10.
Change in Daily Carbohydrate Intake
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of intervention period, corresponding to Week 10.
Change in Daily Protein Intake
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of intervention period, corresponding to Week 10.
Change in Daily Fat Intake
Time frame: Phase-specific baseline and end of intervention period, corresponding to Week 10.
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be shared because external sharing of participant-level data was not included in the original informed consent and no prospective IPD sharing plan was established.
Ran from Feb 2022 to primary completion in May 2022, 3 months.
Of 877 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Inflammation, half reached primary completion within 18 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 8 and three quarters within 36. This study's 3 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 924 studies reached it within 18 months; a quarter within 8 and three quarters within 36.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is completed, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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