Effects of Pastured vs. Conventional Meat and Eggs on Health
The Impact of Pastured Livestock Food Consumption on Fatty Acid and Metabolomic Profiles
This study is testing whether eating meat and eggs from pasture-raised animals is better for health than eating conventional products in middle-aged adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Utah State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Logan, Utah) |
| Trial ID | NCT06768775 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates how consuming meat and eggs from regenerative farming practices affects health biomarkers in middle-aged adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either pastured or conventional animal products for 16 weeks, with regular clinic visits for blood, urine, and stool sample collection. The study aims to measure differences in omega-3 fatty acid levels, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic profiles between the two dietary groups. Dietary compliance will be monitored through food logs and dietary recalls to ensure accurate results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged adults aged 30-65 with a BMI between 25 and 35 who are stable in weight and meet specific health criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed inflammatory diseases, active malignancies, or those on medications affecting study outcomes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how dietary choices related to farming practices impact metabolic health and inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on regenerative versus conventional farming practices is novel, related studies on dietary impacts on health have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 30 and 65 years. BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m². Weight stability within the last three months (loss or gain \< 4%). Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) ≤ 6.4%. Fasting plasma glucose concentration \< 126 mg/dL. Ability to understand and communicate in English or Spanish. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of medications known to affect study outcomes (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids, anticoagulants) that cannot be discontinued temporarily. Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg without physician clearance. Unwillingness to forgo seafood consumption or omega-3 supplement intake during the study. Alcohol consumption \> 14 drinks per week. Tobacco product use within the last three months. Receipt of a COVID vaccine within the last two weeks. Engagement in high-level competitive exercise (e.g., triathlon, marathon, powerlifting). Diagnosed inflammatory diseases (e.g., autoimmune disorders, coeliac disease, arthritis). Diagnoses of active malignancy, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Use of antibiotics within the last 60 days. Pregnancy or planning pregnancy within the next month. Lactating women. Allergies to meat or eggs. Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol, including adherence to study visits and dietary requirements. Dietary preferences that exclude meat or eggs (e.g., vegan, vegetarian, halal). Any condition that, in the opinion of the research team, makes the participant unsuitable for the study.
Where this trial is running
Logan, Utah
- Center for Human Nutrition Studies — Logan, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephan van Vliet, PhD
- Email: stephan.vanvliet@usu.edu
- Phone: 435-797-5369
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.