Investigating how lean beef affects heart health and gut bacteria
Official title: Effects of Lean Beef Consumption on Cardiometabolic Health and Gut Microbiome
Run by University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06433115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 11, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06433115 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-45 with a BMI between 18-35 who are willing to follow the study diet.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, or those on specific medications affecting metabolism may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jaapna Dhillon, PhD — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Jaapna Dhillon
- Email: jdhillon@missouri.edu
- Phone: 573-884-2103
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.