Protein power or peril? new study probes link to heart disease
NCT ID NCT05235464
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study investigates whether high-protein meals, especially from animal sources, activate immune cells in a way that could worsen atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Researchers will give 24 adults different protein-rich meals and measure changes in blood cells. The goal is to understand if protein type and amount influence heart disease risk, which could reshape dietary advice.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dietary protein (animal vs. plant sources)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could reveal whether high-protein diets, especially from animal sources, contribute to heart disease, and point toward safer dietary recommendations.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in 24 people, so results may not apply broadly. It only looks at short-term cell changes, not actual heart attacks or strokes.
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 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2023
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2028
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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45 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- 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: * \>=45 and \<=75 years of age * body mass index \>=25.0 and \<40.0 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * \<45 and \>75 years of age * body mass index \<25.0 or \>39.9 kg/m2 * plasma triglyceride \<125 mg/dl * history of or current significant organ system dysfunction * allergies or intolerances to meal ingredients * use of medications or dietary supplements that could confound the study outcomes * engaged in regular structured exercise \>150 min per week * alcohol use disorder * premenopausal women * persons who smoke * prisoners * inability to grant voluntary informed consent
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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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University of Missouri School of Medicine
RECRUITINGColumbia, Missouri, 65212, United States
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