Comparing dairy and plant-based foods in adolescents and older adults
Comparison of Dairy and Plant-based Alternatives in Adolescents and Older Adults
This study tests whether dairy foods or plant-based alternatives are better for controlling blood sugar and providing nutrients in healthy teens and older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06874400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effects of dairy versus plant-based alternative products on blood sugar regulation and nutrient quality in healthy adolescents and older adults. Participants aged 14-18 and 60-75 will be invited to the Nutrition Intervention Center at the University of Toronto for three visits, including an initial screening and two study visits. Each visit will involve fasting and controlled dietary conditions to accurately assess glycemic response and appetite regulation. The study will last a minimum of two weeks, focusing on the impact of these dietary options on health outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, non-diabetic adolescents aged 14-18 or older adults aged 60-75 with specific BMI criteria.
Not a fit: Patients outside the specified age range or those with diabetes or significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal dietary choices for blood sugar management and overall health in specific age groups.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dietary impacts on health, this specific comparison of dairy and plant-based alternatives in these age groups is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 14-18 years old (adolescents) or 60-75 years old (older adults) * BMI z-score \>+1SD, \<+2SD (adolescents) or BMI 25-30 kg/m2 (older adults) * Willing to maintain habitual diet, physical activity pattern, and body weight throughout the study. * Willing to maintain current dietary supplement use throughout the study. On study visit days, subject agrees not to take any supplements until dismissal from the Nutrition Intervention Center. * Willing to abstain from alcohol consumption for 24hrs prior to all study visits. * Willing to avoid vigorous physical activity for 24hrs prior to all study visits. * Willing to refrain from cannabis use throughout the entire duration of the study. * Willing to refrain from protein supplement use (e.g. protein powder) throughout the entire duration of the study. * Understands the study procedures, provides informed consent to participate in the study, and authorizes release of relevant protected health information to the study investigator. Exclusion Criteria: * Smoking * Thyroid problems * Lactose intolerance and/or allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to study treatments * Previous history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, malabsorptive syndrome, pancreatitis, gallbladder or biliary disease * Presence of gastrointestinal disorder or surgeries within the past year. * Inability to comply with the experimental procedures and follow our safety guidelines * Regular breakfast skipping (\>3 days a week) * On a special diet (e.g. ketogenic, Atkins, high protein) or restrained eaters as identified by a score of \>20 on the Eating Attitudes Questionnaire * Difficulties with eating or swallowing * Fasting blood glucose \>5.6mmol/L measured at screening * Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>120mmHg, diastolic blood pressure \>80mmHg) as defined by the average blood pressure measured at screening * Weight gain or loss of \>10lbs in previous three months * Consuming prescription or non-prescription drug, herbal or nutritional supplements known to affect outcome of the study as per investigator's judgement
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Nutrition Intervention Center — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: G. Harvey Anderson, PhD — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Corrina Zhou, MSc
- Email: corrina.zhou@mail.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 416-946-3802
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.