Dairy versus plant-based yogurt effects on weight, muscle, bones, and gut bacteria
Official title: A New Focus on Protein and the Gut Microbiota to Explain Health Benefits of Dairy Foods
Run by Laval University · NCT07578103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Laval University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Québec, Quebec) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07578103 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.