Dairy versus plant-based yogurt effects on weight, muscle, bones, and gut bacteria
A New Focus on Protein and the Gut Microbiota to Explain Health Benefits of Dairy Foods
This study will test whether eating dairy yogurt instead of a plant-based yogurt (or no yogurt) helps postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity maintain muscle and bone health, control weight, and change gut bacteria.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Laval University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Québec, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT07578103 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Postmenopausal women with BMI 27.0–39.9 kg/m² who are sedentary or moderately active will be assigned to consume dairy yogurt, a plant-based yogurt, or no yogurt while undergoing periodic testing. The research team will measure body weight, body composition including muscle mass, bone mineral density, gut microbiota composition, protein-derived metabolites, and metabolic health markers. Participants with recent antibiotic or probiotic use, dairy intolerance, certain medical conditions, or medications affecting bone will be excluded. Data will be used to link differences in yogurt protein source to changes in body composition, bone health, and gut-derived metabolites.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women (no menstruation ≥1 year and FSH >40 IU/L) with BMI 27.0–39.9 kg/m² who are sedentary or moderately active and able to attend visits at Université Laval.
Not a fit: Patients with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, recent significant weight change, recent antibiotics or probiotic use, active serious medical conditions, current hormone therapy, medications affecting bone, heavy alcohol use, smoking, or drug abuse are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to a simple dietary choice—dairy versus plant-based yogurt—that helps preserve muscle and bone and improves metabolic health in postmenopausal women with overweight.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by the investigators showed dairy casein protected against weight gain and insulin resistance in high-fat contexts and modified gut microbiota, but direct comparisons of yogurt-based dairy versus plant-based products in postmenopausal women remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Postmenopausal women (absence of menstruation for at least 1 year and FSH \> 40 IU/L) * BMI between 27.0 and 39.9 kg/m² * Sedentary or moderately active Exclusion Criteria: * Body weight change greater than 5 kg in the 3 months preceding the study * Currently dieting or following specific dietary patterns * Previous or planned bariatric surgery * Food allergies or intolerances (particularly dairy proteins and lactose) * Serious or problematic health conditions (e.g., renal insufficiency, diabetes, Cushing's disease, Paget's disease, parathyroid disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, uncontrolled thyroid disease, etc.) * Fracture within the past year * Hormone therapy * Medications affecting bone metabolism (e.g., osteoporosis treatments, anti-estrogen therapy for breast cancer, epilepsy treatments) * Antibiotic use within the 6 months preceding the study * Use of probiotic supplements (capsules) * More than two alcoholic drinks per day * Smoking * Drug abuse
Where this trial is running
Québec, Quebec
- INAF, Université Laval — Québec, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julie Marois, M.Sc.
- Email: julie.marois@fsaa.ulaval.ca
- Phone: 1-418-656-5258
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.