Investigating how lean beef affects heart health and gut bacteria

Effects of Lean Beef Consumption on Cardiometabolic Health and Gut Microbiome

NA · University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06433115

This study is testing how eating lean beef compared to plant-based meat affects heart health and gut bacteria in people over six weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Missouri-Columbia (other)
Locations1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06433115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the impact of consuming lean beef on cardiometabolic health and the gut microbiome over a 6-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three diets: lean grain-fed beef, lean grass-fed beef, or plant-based meat. The trial aims to assess various metabolic, inflammatory, and gut microbiome markers to determine the health effects of these dietary interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-45 with a BMI between 18-35 who are willing to follow the study diet.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, or those on specific medications affecting metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary recommendations that improve heart health and gut microbiome balance.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on diet and gut health, this specific approach comparing different types of beef and plant-based meat is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 18-45 years of age
* BMI: 18-35 kg/m2
* Willingness to consume study foods.
* Willing to comply with study protocol.
* Consistent diet and activity patterns for 4 weeks
* Weight stable (≤5 kg change over the last 3 months)
* Non-smoker \>1 year or more

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergies to foods provided in the study
* Diabetes
* Gastrointestinal disease and/or bariatric surgery
* Uncontrolled hypertension and blood pressure ≥ 180/110
* Illicit drug use
* Recent consumption of antibiotics or probiotics
* Recent start of medications that affect metabolism or appetite.
* Recent blood donation
* Drug therapy for coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, congestive - heart failure, or dyslipidemia
* Pregnant or lactating individuals
* Taste or smell disorders
* High consumers of red meat or plant-based meat (≥ 4 times/week)

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Diet Intervention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.