Mediterranean Diet vs Western Diet for Healthy Eating Habits
(Mini-MED Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to compare a Mediterranean-style diet with a Western diet in terms of overall health, focusing on heart disease risk, gut health, and inflammation. Participants will follow either a Mediterranean-enhanced diet or a typical Western diet. The researchers aim to assess how these diets affect health and potentially guide future dietary recommendations. Individuals who are overweight or obese, engage in consistent physical activity, and show signs of metabolic syndrome (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol) may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could influence future dietary guidelines.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you continue taking your current medications if they have been stable for 6 months prior to and throughout the study. However, you must avoid medications that conflict with increased fruit and vegetable intake, like warfarin.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet is generally safe. Studies have found it improves heart health by reducing risks such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is also considered safe for individuals with serious kidney issues.
In contrast, the Western diet raises concerns. Research links it to a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Consuming large amounts of fatty and sugary foods can also affect learning and memory.
In summary, the Mediterranean diet is well-tolerated and associated with positive health benefits, while the Western diet carries notable risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different diets impact healthy eating habits, focusing on a Mediterranean-amplified diet compared to a Western diet. Unlike the typical Western diet, which is rich in processed foods and red meats, the mini-MED diet incorporates Mediterranean target foods like salmon, walnuts, and chickpeas, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. The trial aims to uncover if integrating Mediterranean foods into everyday meals can effectively improve dietary habits and overall health, potentially offering a simple, diet-based strategy for enhancing wellness.
What evidence suggests that this trial's dietary interventions could be effective for improving overall health?
This trial will compare the effects of a Mediterranean-amplified habitual/Western (mini-MED) diet with a habitual/Western diet. Research has shown that the Mediterranean Diet can significantly improve heart health. Studies have found it can lower the risk of dying from heart disease by up to 67% and reduce the chances of non-fatal heart problems. This diet is also linked to weight loss and better body weight compared to other diets. Additionally, the Mediterranean Diet is associated with a lower risk of developing several long-term diseases and may reduce the risk of dying from any cause by 23%. These findings suggest that eating Mediterranean foods can boost overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Wayne Campbell, PhD
Principal Investigator
Purdue University
Nancy F Krebs, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Nichole Reisdorph, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Colorado School of Pharmacy
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 30-69 with overweight or obesity, stable weight, and at least three signs of Metabolic Syndrome. Participants must be nonsmokers, maintain consistent physical activity, eat an omnivorous diet not aligned with the Mediterranean style, and agree to biweekly clinic visits. Exclusions include vegetarians/vegans, certain medication users (e.g., warfarin), those with conditions affecting food metabolism (like Crohn's disease), pregnant/lactating women, or anyone planning extended travel.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Dietary Intervention
Participants undergo a 16-week randomized, cross-over, semi-controlled feeding study of two isocaloric dietary interventions: Mediterranean-amplified habitual/Western (mini-MED) diet and Habitual/Western (Western) diet.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cardiometabolic health, microbiome structure/function, and metabolomics signatures after dietary interventions.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Semi-controlled dietary intervention
- Semi-controlled dietary intervention - MiniMed
- Semi-controlled dietary intervention - Western
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
Purdue University
Collaborator
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Industry Sponsor
National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff
Industry Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Collaborator