Overview
This study is investigating the benefits of lean beef consumption on cardiometabolic health and gut microbiome.
Description
The study is a 6-wk randomized, controlled, and parallel arm clinical trial. Participants will be randomized to consume either lean grain-fed beef, lean grass-fed beef, or plant-based meat for 6 weeks. Outcomes assessed will include metabolic, inflammatory, and gut microbiome markers.
Eligibility
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)