Steak vs. salad: which meal boosts nighttime erections?
NCT ID NCT04349059
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at how plant-based meals compare to animal-based meals on erectile function in 46 healthy men with normal erections. Participants eat specially prepared meals and wear a device to measure nighttime erections. The goal is to see if diet alone can make a difference, without any drugs or treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that diet alone affects erectile function, pointing toward dietary advice for men's health.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study in healthy men only, so results may not apply to men with erectile dysfunction or other health issues.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 46 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject provides written informed consent and HIPAA authorization in English before any study procedures are conducted. * Subject is taking no medical therapy other than: prn MDIs, medication(s) for anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD (these medications include, but are not limited to, SSRIs, SNRIs, Stimulants), no change in supplements if applicable. The anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD will have been controlled (per report of subject) for the last 6 months. * IIEF score greater or equal to 22 * Subject will have had penile-sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal penetration) within 12 weeks of enrollment. * Male aged 18-35 years old * Lives within commuting distance of Montefiore Health System * Subject's significant other (if applicable) agrees to support the subject during the study * Subject agrees to photograph and share all items consumed/drunk during the dietary intervention * Subject agrees to avoid all illicit drugs, NSAIDS, and alcohol for at least two days prior to Rigiscan™ recording and on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording * Subject agrees to refrain from sexual activity for at least 24 hours prior to Rigiscan™ placement and to have no sexual activity on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording. * Subject agrees to not view, read, or otherwise consume erotic or pornographic material for 24 hours prior to both the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording and on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording. * Subject agrees to not have an orgasm for 24 hours prior to both the days and nights of RigiscanTM recording and on the days and nights of Rigiscan™ recording. * Subject agrees to come to Montefiore to undergo Rigiscan™ training * Subject agrees to only consume/drink permitted food/beverages. * Subject agrees to attend all in person visits at Montefiore, to begin fasting at 11pm the night before each visit, and to undergo all blood draws/salivary/other testing. * Subject agrees to not use mouthwash or mouth rinses or intentionally spit for the entire duration of the study. Subjects will be asked to refrain from using mouthwash for at least 2 days prior to enrollment. Subject agrees to not brush his teeth in the morning of the day of each study visit. Tooth brushing is otherwise permissible. * BMI \<30, BMI \>=18.5, weight \>110 lbs. * Subject agrees to comply with the study procedures and visits. * Subject exercises for at least 15 minutes at least two times per week * If exercise is done, subjects will exercise for the same amount of time and at a similar intensity each day of Rigiscan™ testing. Otherwise, no exercise will be performed on Rigiscan™ days. * If enrolled, subjects agree to not modify their dietary habits throughout the duration of the study other than during the two evenings and two full days when food is provided. Exclusion Criteria: * Relevant dietary allergy * Vegetarian or Vegan dietary pattern * History of an eating disorder and/or food addiction * Hypertension and or history of hypertension with or without medical treatment. Systolic blood pressure \> 150mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \>100mmHg on Visit one. Heart rate \>99 on Visit one. Systolic blood pressure \< 85mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \< 50mmHg on Visit one. Heart rate \< 35 on Visit one. * BMI \>=30, BMI \<18.5, or weight \<= 110lbs * Known chronic medical disease other than non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disease, asthma, anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD. Subjects who have had changes in the dosage or type of their medication(s) for anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD within 3 months of enrollment. Subjects who have scheduled or planned medication and/or medication dose changes during the study period. These medication changes include the initiation of a new medication, discontinuation of a medication, modification of medication dose, and/or the route of administration of a medication. Subjects who are taking benzodiazepines and/or beta blockers * History of kidney disease or hyperkalemia * Subject has received an investigational drug within 30 days prior to signing consent * Erectile dysfunction * Has any condition (e.g., psychiatric illness) or situation that, in the investigator's opinion, may confound the study results, or may interfere significantly with the patient's ability to adhere with study procedures * Currently undergoing treatment for Peyronie's Disease * Abnormal Testosterone or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone level * Treated hypogonadism or hypothyroidism * Planned travel during the study * The subject is trans-gender * History of substance abuse in the last 12 months * Illicit drug use, smoking, or vaping within 4 weeks * Upper respiratory illness within two weeks on screening * If profession requires being on call, no overnight or on call duties during the study * Subject reports any communicable skin or venereal disease * Subject reports rash or lesion on the penis or surrounding area. * STOP-Bang score \> 2 * Having the diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome. * Having insomnia as defined by: Subject with insomnia would have difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep (30 minutes or more at sleep initiation or 30 minutes or more to fall back asleep if wakes during the night). The above occurs at least 3 times per week for at least 1 month. Furthermore, there must be adequate opportunity for sleep and there must be associated morbidity (feels tired during the day). Definition based on: The International Classification of Sleep Disorders - Third Edition (ICSD-3), 2014.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Montefiore Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology
RECRUITINGThe Bronx, New York, 10467, United States
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