Smoothie study reveals how protein type impacts your cells

NCT ID NCT07121010

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how animal-based and plant-based proteins change metabolism and immune signals in healthy adults. Twenty participants will drink three different protein smoothies on separate visits and give blood samples. Researchers want to see if adding leucine to plant protein makes the body react like it does to animal protein. The goal is to understand how protein source affects a key nutrient-sensing pathway linked to heart disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Animal-based protein smoothie, plant-based protein smoothie, and plant-based protein smoothie with added leucine

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could show that adding leucine to plant protein makes the body respond similarly to animal protein, potentially improving plant-based diets for metabolic health.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 healthy participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It measures short-term blood changes, not long-term health outcomes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atherosclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • UPMC Montefiore - Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC)

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States