Exploring Healthy Food Swaps for Young Adults

Drivers and Barriers for Adopting Healthy and Sustainable Food Swaps in Young. The FOOD SWAPS Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Aberdeen · NCT06714656

This study is trying to see if helping young adults swap red meat for fish or plant-based foods can lead to better health and more sustainable eating habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aberdeen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aberdeen)
Trial IDNCT06714656 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on understanding the factors that influence young adults' ability to adopt healthier and more sustainable food choices, specifically by reducing red meat consumption and replacing it with fish or plant-based alternatives. The study employs an N-of-1 design, allowing for personalized assessments of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors that affect dietary adherence. Participants will engage in an 8-week food swap intervention aimed at improving health markers such as blood pressure and lipid levels. The findings aim to inform future dietary guidelines that consider both health and environmental sustainability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-30 who consume high amounts of red meat and are motivated to improve their diet but face barriers to making changes.

Not a fit: Patients who consume low amounts of red meat, are vegetarian or vegan, or have specific health conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes and more sustainable eating habits among young adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on N-of-1 food swap interventions, similar studies have shown promise in promoting healthier eating behaviors through targeted interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* men and women
* aged 18-30 years,
* having a high baseline consumption of red meat (More than 70 grams per day or 280 grams per 4 days)
* who are willing to make their diet healthier and more sustainable but do not know how or are facing barriers

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a lower red meat consumption (less than 70 grams per day or 240 grams per 4 days)
* being vegetarian or vegan
* having a clinical diagnosis of hypertension or high cholesterol, having unstable or untreated thyroid disorder
* taking blood pressure and/or cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. beta blockers or statins)
* having food allergies, being on a weight loss diet or having lost \>5kg in the last 6 months
* having a history of an eating disorder.

Where this trial is running

Aberdeen

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 Diet ModificationSustainable Food Consumptiondietsustainable food choicesfood swapsN of 1 study
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.