Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease, Dyslipidaemia, Endothelial Dysfunction, Metabolic Syndrome
Conditions
Keywords
LDL aggregation, Dietary patterns, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease, Onmivore diet, Vegan diet, Carnivore diet, Lipid profile, Cardiometabolic health
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the extent to which vegan or plant-based, omnivorous, and carnivore dietary patterns affect LDL aggregation susceptibility (the affinity for LDL cholesterol particles to clump together in the blood), which may promote plaque build-up in arteries. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, the study will measure LDL aggregation, blood lipids, and other metabolic biomarkers in individuals following these diets, and combine these data with dietary and behavioural information to examine links with cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Liverpool John Moores University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 25-60 years. * BMI range (18.5-29.9 kg/m²). * Following one of the specified dietary patterns (vegan/plant-based, carnivore, or omnivorous) for a minimum of 6 months. * Self-identified as health-focused (i.e., intentionally following the diet for perceived health benefits).
Exclusion criteria
* BMI outside the stated range (\<18.5 or ≥30 kg/m²). * Use of lipid-lowering medications or supplements that may interfere with LDL levels. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Any significant deviation from the specified diet within the last month.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LDL aggregation susceptibility | Baseline upon enrollment. | To measure changes in how easily LDL cholesterol particles 'clump' together in the blood vessels from baseline to post-intervention, assessed via plasma lipid and lipoprotein analysis. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile | Baseline upon enrollment. | Changes in plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides will be determined via enzymatic analysis and measured in mmol/L. |
| Lipoprotein particle size | Baseline upon enrollment. | Changes in lipoprotein particle size (diameter) will be measured via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and expressed in nanometers. |
Countries
United Kingdom
Contacts
CONTACTMegan L Wilson, BSc Nutrition
CONTACTDr Richie Kirwan
STUDY_DIRECTORRichie Kirwan
Liverpool John Moores University
Outcome results
None listed