Animal versus plant protein smoothies and their effects on metabolism and immune signaling
Official title: Randomized Crossover Trial of Protein Source and Leucine Supplementation on Metabolic and Immune Signaling Pathways
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT07121010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether drinking animal-based, plant-based, or plant-based plus leucine protein smoothies changes blood amino acids and metabolic and immune responses in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 24, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07121010 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are generally healthy adults aged 18–65 with BMI 18.5–29.9 kg/m² who are not on chronic medications or restrictive diets and can attend three in-person clinic visits in Pittsburgh.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, significant kidney or liver dysfunction, pregnancy or breastfeeding, those on immunomodulatory or lipid‑lowering medications, or people following restrictive diets are unlikely to benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled, crossover trial has healthy adults come for three clinic visits where they drink a high-protein smoothie: one animal-based, one plant-based, and one plant-based with added leucine. Blood samples are taken before and at 1 and 3 hours after each smoothie to measure circulating amino acids and downstream metabolic and immune signaling pathways, including mTOR-related markers. The within-subject crossover design lets researchers compare acute responses to each protein condition in the same participants. All smoothies are prepared to meet Halal and Kosher dietary guidelines and the study is conducted at the University of Pittsburgh CTRC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor dietary protein recommendations to reduce cardiometabolic risk by showing how protein type and leucine affect metabolic and immune pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows leucine-rich animal proteins raise circulating branched-chain amino acids and can activate mTOR signaling, but randomized crossover tests directly comparing plant versus animal smoothies with added leucine in healthy adults are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-65 years 2. BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m² 3. Generally healthy, without known chronic illness and/or treatment with chronic medications 4. Willing to comply with dietary restrictions and study procedures 5. Not currently following a prescribed or restrictive diet (for example, vegan, ketogenic or high-protein regimen) or regularly taking high-protein supplements Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders 2. Active use of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or lipid-lowering medications 3. Renal or hepatic dysfunction 4. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 5. Allergies or intolerances to components of study meals. A list of the smoothie ingredients will be sent to the potential participant with the mailing of the consent form 6. Participation in another interventional study within the last 30 days
Where it's running
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UPMC Montefiore - Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ali Ajam, MD
- Email: ala449@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-512-1044
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.