Does daily lean beef support brain health in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a two-arm, randomized, crossover dietary trial enrolling 20 generally healthy older adults. Participants will receive two 2-week feeding phases: one with 156 grams of lean beef daily and one with a non-beef protein source that matches calories and protein, separated by a two-week washout. The primary outcome is the change in plasma phosphorylated tau-217 (p-tau217); secondary outcomes include Aβ42/40, BDNF, and broader lipid and nutrient biomarker profiles. The study aims to uncover potential molecular mechanisms by which a beef-rich diet could influence brain health during aging.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 65 years and older.

Generally healthy with no acute illnesses.

Fluent in English.

Willing to consume lean beef and dairy products (cottage cheese and whey protein) daily during the intervention phases.

Willing to maintain current, habitual diet, physical activity levels, and body weight throughout the study.

Willing to fast for 12 hours prior to clinical visits and provide blood, urine, stool, and saliva samples.

Exclusion Criteria:

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other severe cognitive disorders.

History of gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease) or major gastrointestinal surgery.

Uncontrolled diabetes, severe liver or kidney disease, or a recent cardiovascular event (within the past 6 months).

Allergies or severe intolerances to beef or dairy, or adherence to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.

Body weight fluctuation of \>5% within the past 3 months.

Use of systemic antibiotics within the 2 months prior to baseline.

Current heavy smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Where it's running

• South Dakota State University
  Brookings, South Dakota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Samitinjaya Dhakal, PhD
• Email: samitinjaya.dhakal@sdstate.edu
• Phone: 605-688-5465

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.