Effects of animal and plant proteins on glucose metabolism

Animal and Plant Proteins and Glucose Metabolism

This study is testing whether eating more animal or plant proteins can help people improve their blood sugar control and overall metabolic health.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
• Trial ID: NCT03994367 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate how a high protein diet, sourced from either animal or plant proteins, influences insulin sensitivity in the liver and muscles, the metabolic response to meals, and the plasma concentration of glucose and related hormones over 24 hours. Participants will consume different types of protein-rich foods and isolates to assess their effects on metabolic health. The study will focus on individuals with specific dietary habits and body mass index to determine the optimal protein sources for improving glucose metabolism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 to 70 with a BMI between 24.5 and 32.5 who have a low habitual protein intake and are weight stable.

Not a fit: Patients with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or those who are vegetarians or vegans may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary recommendations that improve glucose metabolism and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on protein intake and metabolism, this specific comparison of animal versus plant protein sources in relation to glucose metabolism is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* age: ≥21 and ≤70 years;
* BMI: \>24.5 and \<32.5 kg/m2;
* habitual protein intake \<0.9 g/kg/day (assessed on 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days by using the HealthWatch 360 app); and
* weight stable (i.e., ≤3% change) and untrained (≤150 min of structured exercise/week) for at least 2 months before entering the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* prediabetes or type 2 diabetes;
* evidence of chronic kidney disease by medical history or laboratory tests (glomerular filtration rate \<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or an albumin to creatinine ratio in urine ≥30 mg/g);
* vegetarians or vegans;
* intolerance or allergies to ingredients in the metabolic meal or intervention diet;
* take dietary supplements (e.g., pre- and probiotics, fiber, fish oil) or medications known to affect our study outcomes;
* received antibiotic or antifungal treatment (which affect the microbiome and therefore microbial metabolite production) 2 months before entering the study;
* consume tobacco products or excessive alcohol (women: \>14 drinks/week; men: \>21 drinks/week);
* evidence of significant organ system dysfunction or diseases (e.g., cirrhosis), and
* unwilling or unable to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

• University of Missouri School of Medicine — Columbia, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Bettina Mittendorfer — University of Missouri-Columbia
• Study coordinator: Bettina Mittendorfer

Conditions Metabolic Syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome, Protection Against; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; High Protein; Metabolism; Diet