How whole-fat versus low-fat milk affects adults with metabolic syndrome

Milk Consumption On Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Metabolic Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT07401888

This trial will test whether drinking whole-fat milk compared with low-fat milk changes heart and metabolic risk factors and blood vessel function in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT07401888 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults who meet diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome will be assigned to follow a diet emphasizing whole-fat dairy or a diet emphasizing low-fat dairy for the intervention period. Investigators will measure cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers (including fasting glucose, HDL, triglycerides, waist circumference, and blood pressure) and peripheral vascular function before and after the dietary intervention. Key exclusions include diagnosed diabetes, existing cardiovascular disease, dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, high baseline dairy intake, pregnancy, and certain medications. The study is conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with metabolic syndrome (having at least three qualifying risk factors) who do not have diabetes or cardiovascular disease and do not already consume high amounts of dairy.

Not a fit: People with diagnosed diabetes or cardiovascular disease, dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, pregnant women, those already eating more than three dairy servings per day, or those on excluded medications are not eligible and would not gain benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clarify whether whole-fat dairy is safe or beneficial for improving metabolic and vascular risk markers in people with metabolic syndrome, informing dietary guidance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational and randomized studies on dairy fat and cardiometabolic outcomes have shown mixed results, so this trial builds on but does not yet settle existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Presence of 3 of the following risk factors:

1. fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL (or medical therapy for elevated glucose)
2. HDL-C \<40 mg/dL in men or \<50 mg/dL in women (or medical therapy for reduced HDL-C)
3. Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL (or medical therapy for elevated triglycerides)
4. Waist circumference \>102 cm for men and \>88 cm for women
5. Systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg (or medical therapy for hypertension)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cardiovascular disease diagnosis
2. Type 1 or 2 diabetes diagnosis
3. Dairy allergy or lactose intolerance
4. Self-reported high baseline dairy intake (\>3 servings per day)
5. \>3 hours of physical activity per week
6. Pregnant women
7. Inflammatory bowel disease
8. Chronic steroid use
9. Allergy to metal
10. GLP-1 agonist use
11. Patients on medications related to metabolic syndrome where dose adjustments are planned to be made during the study period.

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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 Metabolic Syndrome
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.