Lean Pork in Plant-Based Diet for Healthy Aging
(PRODMED2 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how adding lean pork to a mostly plant-based diet might improve health as people age. The researchers aim to determine if this combination can help maintain muscle strength, ensure adequate nutrients, and support metabolic functions, all crucial for healthy aging. Participants will follow a diet either with lean pork or without any meat to compare the effects. Ideal candidates are those 65 and older who are generally healthy, eat meat, and are willing to consume pork as their only meat during the study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding dietary impacts on aging health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must be willing to consume pork as the sole meat source and abstain from certain nutritional supplements, alcohol, or non-study foods during the study period.
What prior data suggests that this dietary pattern is safe for healthy aging?
In a previous study, researchers found that lean pork is generally safe compared to other meats like beef and chicken. They observed no major differences in health outcomes among people consuming these different meats, suggesting that most people can eat lean pork without problems.
Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods is also linked to good health, though some risks exist. However, a diet high in plant foods and low in heavily processed foods is associated with healthier aging. This indicates that combining lean pork with a mostly plant-based diet could be safe and beneficial for health.
Overall, evidence suggests that adding lean pork to a plant-based diet should be safe for most people. However, consulting a healthcare provider before changing one's diet is advisable, especially when considering participation in a clinical trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how incorporating lean pork into a plant-based diet might benefit healthy aging. Unlike traditional plant-based diets that exclude meat entirely, this approach allows for the inclusion of minimally processed animal protein, which could provide a unique combination of nutrients. The trial aims to understand if this blend can offer the benefits of a plant-forward diet while also addressing potential protein gaps that might occur without meat. By focusing on low-ultra-processed foods, it might also highlight a dietary pattern that supports aging healthily without resorting to heavily processed alternatives.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for healthy aging?
Research has shown that adding lean pork to a mostly plant-based diet can be beneficial. In one study with overweight adults, participants who included lean pork in their meals lost weight and reduced their waist size. Another study found that eating minimally processed lean pork alongside a plant-based diet improved overall health. This trial will compare two dietary patterns: one group will follow a low-ultra-processed omnivorous diet that includes lean pork, while another group will follow a low-ultra-processed plant-forward diet with no meat. While plant-based diets are known for promoting longevity and health, adding lean pork might boost nutrient intake and support muscle health. These findings suggest that lean pork can complement a plant-focused diet and may enhance health as people age.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Moul Dey, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
South Dakota State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people aged 65 or older who are generally healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have a normal HbA1C level. Participants should currently follow a meat-based diet without special dietary requirements and be willing to eat meals on-site and provide samples.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants follow a plant-forward diet with or without lean pork for 16 weeks
Washout
A 2-week washout period between diet phases
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Role of Lean-pork Within a Plant-based Dietary Pattern
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
South Dakota State University
Lead Sponsor