Effects of beef consumption on brain health and cognitive function
Understanding the Cognitive and Brain Health Effects of Increasing Beef Consumption in Young Adults
NA · University of Nebraska Lincoln · NCT06690892
This study is testing how eating different amounts of beef affects brain health and thinking skills in healthy young adults aged 19 to 24.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska Lincoln (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lincoln, Nebraska) |
| Trial ID | NCT06690892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates how consuming beef affects cognitive and brain health in healthy young adults aged 19-24. Participants will engage in a 12-week dietary intervention where they will receive either 5-ounce or 1-ounce portions of ready-to-eat beef each week. The study will assess changes in executive function, memory, psychological well-being, and sleep quality, alongside brain health measures obtained through MRI imaging. Compliance will be monitored through weekly surveys regarding beef consumption.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adults aged 19-24 who consume less than or equal to 1 ounce of beef per day and are enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cognitive or metabolic diseases, or those with eating or anxiety disorders, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary interventions that enhance cognitive function and brain health in young adults.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on beef consumption and cognitive health, dietary interventions focusing on protein intake have shown promise in enhancing cognitive function.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and lifestyle considerations and availability for the duration of the study * Males and females; Age 19-24 * Willingness to adhere to the ready-to-eat beef intervention regimen * Enrolled at University of Nebraska-Lincoln * BMI between 18.5 and 39.9 * Not pregnant or nursing * No history of cognitive or metabolic diseases indicated by diagnosis, including neurodegenerative disease, stroke, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer * No history of eating or anxiety disorders * Willing to discontinue dietary supplement use throughout the duration of the study, if they are consuming supplement at the time of the registration * No known contraindication to MRI scans as determined by the MRI screening survey questions Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of medications that may affect their responses to dietary intervention, such as amphetamines, antidepressants, anti-diabetic medications, laxatives, antibiotics, statins and diuretics. * Known intolerance or allergy to beef * Current use of nicotine products, including vaping * Previous use of nicotine products, including vaping, within the recent 6 months at the time of pre-screening
Where this trial is running
Lincoln, Nebraska
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Lincoln, Nebraska, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aron Barbey, PhD — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Douglas Schultz, PhD
- Email: dschultz14@unl.edu
- Phone: 402-472-1843
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.
Conditions: Dietary Intervention, Dietary Proteins, Dietary Assessment, Cognitive Ability, General, beef consumption, beef dietary intervention, brain health, cognitive health