Increasing lean protein intake in preschoolers to assess effects on cognition and health

Increasing Lean Protein Intake in Preschool-age Children

Not applicable Interventional University of Virginia · NCT06882252

This study tests if adding more lean protein to preschoolers' meals can help them feel full, think better, and improve their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06882252 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project explores how preschool-age children recognize changes in hunger and satiety after consuming meals that include lean meats compared to usual childcare center meals. The intervention focuses on a low glycemic index diet to potentially improve cognitive function and health outcomes. Parents of participating children will also be involved in the study to provide insights into dietary habits and preferences. The study aims to gather data on the effects of dietary modifications on young children's eating behaviors and overall well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2-5 years old and their parents who can communicate in English and do not have dietary restrictions against pork.

Not a fit: Patients with food allergies, diabetes, digestive diseases, or those with dietary preferences that exclude pork may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance children's cognitive development and health by promoting better dietary choices.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies, dietary interventions focusing on protein intake in young children have shown promise in improving health outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* child 2-5 years old

Parent participants:

* Parents of at least one child aged 2-5 years old
* Parents can communicate in English.
* Parents in households who do not have a cultural/ religious reason to abstain from to consuming pork

Exclusion Criteria:

* Child participants:
* Food allergies
* Taking medication that affects food intake (such as stimulant medications),
* Children with diabetes or impaired glucose control.
* Children with digestive disease (such as Crohn's)
* Dietary/religious preferences that exclude consumption of pork

Parent participants:

\- Dietary/religious preferences that exclude consumption of pork

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

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 Modification
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.