Effects of Healthy Diets with Plant Oils on Heart and Metabolic Health

The Effects of Healthy Diets With Plant Oils on Heart and Metabolic Health: A Randomized, Crossover, Controlled-feeding Study

Not applicable Interventional Penn State University · NCT06216678

This study tests if a healthy diet with cottonseed oil can improve heart and metabolic health better than diets with other plant oils for people at risk of heart disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorPenn State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06216678 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how a healthy diet that includes cottonseed oil impacts heart and metabolic health compared to diets with other plant oils. It is a randomized crossover feeding study that will assess changes in lipids and other risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases over a 4-week period. Participants will follow three different dietary patterns to determine which is most effective in improving health markers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with elevated LDL cholesterol levels, a BMI between 25-40, and no significant metabolic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, significant cardiovascular history, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that significantly improve heart and metabolic health for individuals at risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with dietary interventions focusing on plant oils, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL and ≤190 mg/dL
* BMI of 25-40 kg/m2
* Blood pressure \<140/90 mmHg
* Fasting blood glucose \<126 mg/dL
* Fasting triglycerides \<350 mg/dL
* ≤10% change in body weight for 6 months prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Type 1 or type 2 diabetes or fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL
* Prescription of anti-hypertensive, lipid lowering or glucose lowering drugs
* Intake of supplements that affect the outcomes of interest and unwilling to cease during the study period
* Diagnosed liver, kidney, or autoimmune disease
* Prior cardiovascular event (e.g., stroke, heart attack)
* Current pregnancy or intention of pregnancy within the next 6 months
* Lactation within prior 6 months
* Follows a vegetarian or vegan diet
* Food allergies/intolerance/sensitives/dislikes of foods included in the study menu
* Antibiotic use within the prior 1 month
* Oral steroid use within the prior 1 month
* Use of tobacco or nicotine containing products with in the past 6 months
* Cancer any site within the past 10 years (eligible if ≥10 years without recurrence) or non-melanoma skin cancer with in the past 5 years (eligible if ≥5 years without recurrence)
* Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days of baseline
* Currently following a restricted or weight loss diet
* Prior bariatric surgery
* Intake of \>14 alcoholic drinks/week and/or lack of willingness to consume a maximum of two standard drinks per week while enrolled in the study and/or not willing to avoid alcohol consumption for 48 hour prior to test visits

Where this trial is running

University Park, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.